Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that his political involvement is driven by the pursuit of a stronger Nigeria rather than a personal ambition to become president.
Abubakar’s position was conveyed at an affirmation ceremony held in Lagos for new members joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The gathering, reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), saw prominent figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) officially declare their defection to the ADC.
Represented at the event by Professor Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Abubakar emphasised that his interest lies in national renewal. He recently left the PDP alongside other opposition figures to align with the ADC.
According to Olateju, Abubakar’s commitment is not tied to holding political office.
“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. So, it’s not about him being the president. It’s about having a better government, a good government that will be able to deliver for Nigerians.
“It’s not a personal thing for him and that’s why some of us are with him. It’s not about Atiku must be president at all costs.
“ADC, to us, is not a political party. It is a movement, a movement of Nigerians for a better Nigeria.”
He described the movement within the ADC as a fresh effort to reposition the country and chart a new course for development.
“It’s no longer politics as usual. It’s a new beginning. It is a new journey, a new beginning.
“We need a new beginning in Nigeria and that’s what Atiku is championing.”
Abubakar argued that the nation requires responsible leadership capable of addressing the current economic strain brought about by the removal of fuel subsidy and rising inflation.
“The must there is for him to see Nigeria deliver as wished by all. We are expecting a better Nigeria.
“We want Nigeria to be able to deliver. We want Nigeria to be able to take care of Nigerians,” he said, stressing that the coalition was united in working towards change.
He further noted that the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election would not be pre-selected but chosen through open competition within the party.
“It is not a thing we can pre-determine. Whoever emerges through free and fair contests, we are all going to support.
“Everybody has a right to contest, we are going to rally round anyone that emerges. We are not imposing anyone on the people.
“The point is better Nigeria, not Atiku for President at all costs, not Obi for president at all costs.
“Whoever picks the ticket shall be the representative of Nigeria people and will represent the collective voice and aspiration of Nigeria.”
NAN reported that those who joined the ADC included PDP Board of Trustees member, Dr Abimbola Ogunkelu; former Lagos PDP chairmen, Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Mr Tai Benedict, and a former PDP Youth Leader, among others.
They were formally welcomed by ADC leaders, including the party’s National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Kolawole Ogunwale; and Lagos ADC Chairman, Mr George Ashiru.