Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says he is not desperate to become Nigeria’s president in 2027.
He also relayed that his focus is on securing a better, safer, and more prosperous nation.
According to Arise News, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, spoke through a representative on Saturday, at a ceremony to welcome defectors into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The event, which held in Lagos, was graced by prominent figures from the PDP and Labour Party (LP) who were formalising their move to the ADC.
The former Vice President had earlier reiterated that he’ll will keep pushing to be president as long as he is still alive.
Represented by Ola Olateju, a professor at the Achievers University in Ondo, Abubakar said his political journey is not about personal ambition but about building a government that delivers for the people.
“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. It’s not about him being president. It’s about having a good government that can deliver for Nigerians,” he said.
“It’s not a personal thing for him, and that’s why some of us are with him. It’s not about Atiku having to 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.”
On the question of who will be the ADC presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 vote, Abubakar said the decision will be made through free and fair contests within the party.
“We are not imposing anyone on the people. Whoever emerges through free and fair contests, we will all support. The point is a better Nigeria, not Atiku for president at all costs,” he added.
“Everybody has a right to contest; we are going to rally round anyone that emerges. We are not imposing anyone on the people.”
Abubakar said the eventual presidential pick will represent the collective aspirations of Nigerians.