Atiku Abubakar Champions National Renewal Over Personal Ambition In Political Realignment.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emphasised that his recent political realignment is driven by a commitment to Nigeria’s renewal, not a personal quest for the presidency. In a statement released through his Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, on 29 July 2025, Atiku clarified that his involvement in the opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) aims to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy from what he describes as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s authoritarian tendencies and electoral manipulation.
Speaking to Vanguard in Abuja, Atiku underscored that the coalition, which includes prominent figures like Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, is focused on fostering inclusive governance and restoring public trust. “This is not an anti-Tinubu project; it is a pro-Nigerian movement,” he stated, distancing the initiative from personal rivalries. The coalition, formed after extensive consultations, seeks to unite opposition forces to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s APC in the 2027 general elections, following the opposition’s fragmented performance in 2023, where Tinubu secured 37% of the vote against Atiku’s 29% and Obi’s 25%.
Atiku’s remarks come amid speculation about a potential presidential bid, which would mark his seventh attempt at Nigeria’s highest office. However, he insisted that the coalition’s goal transcends individual ambitions, aiming to address systemic issues such as economic stagnation, insecurity, and governance challenges. He accused the APC of laying the groundwork to rig the 2027 elections, citing the controversial appointment of a former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) official as APC national chairman. “This move clearly indicates that the ruling party is not interested in winning elections through due process,” Atiku warned, urging opposition unity to counter such tactics.
The coalition’s adoption of the ADC as its platform has sparked debate, with some, including Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed, questioning its credibility. Atiku, however, defended the coalition’s broad-based approach, noting its inclusion of political heavyweights like former Senate President David Mark and former PDP chairman Uche Secondus. He highlighted the coalition’s potential to leverage the ADC’s national spread and the financial backing of its members to mount a formidable challenge in 2027.
Atiku’s call for unity resonates with analysts who argue that a consolidated opposition could have defeated Tinubu in 2023. Political commentator Ben Kenneth noted, “If you look at what Atiku and Obi got in the last election, it’s clear they would’ve won assuming they worked together.” The former vice president’s emphasis on national renewal over personal gain has been welcomed by supporters, who see it as a shift towards a more collaborative and visionary opposition.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, Atiku’s realignment signals a strategic effort to rebuild public confidence in the political process. By prioritising national interest and democratic integrity, he aims to galvanise Nigerians around a shared vision for a more inclusive and prosperous future, offering hope for a transformative political landscape.