Atiku Hints at 2027 Presidential Run, Backs ADC Coalition for Reforms
Abuja, Nigeria | July 6, 2025 – IDNN Political Bureau
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dropped a major hint that he intends to contest the 2027 presidential election, declaring his readiness to fight corruption, resist election rigging, and support the growing coalition of opposition leaders under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking during a private meeting with Gombe State stakeholders led by former Minister Idris Abdullahi, Atiku delivered a fiery declaration that has sparked renewed debate over the future of Nigeria’s political opposition.
“Enough is enough! Every nation is progressing, but Nigeria’s growth is hindered by a few elements. We will decisively deal with anyone who engages in corruption,” he said in a video posted to his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Coalition Momentum Builds
Atiku confirmed his backing for the ADC coalition—which includes heavyweights such as Peter Obi, David Mark, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola—describing it as a unified front “focused on transforming the lives of Nigerians.”
“The coalition of opposition leaders under the ADC would work assiduously to usher in a positive change that will transform our people’s lives,” he stated.
The group recently unveiled David Mark as interim national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as secretary. However, their appointment has drawn criticism from younger activists who fear a return to recycled leadership.
Integrity, Reform, and Resistance to Rigging
Atiku emphasized that the coalition’s interim leadership was selected based on integrity and experience, hinting that their conduct reflects what Nigerians should expect under a new administration.
“That interim structure is a composition of people with proven integrity and honesty. That’s the style of leadership we’re bringing,” he said.
The former VP also vowed to resist electoral fraud in 2027, urging the electorate to stand firm against vote buying, manipulation, and political intimidation.
“I vowed to stand against the stealing of elections and oppose bad governance,” Atiku wrote in a separate post.
“Nigerians cannot continue to suffer amid abundance.”
Obi and ADC Leadership Echo Vision
Peter Obi, who ran alongside Baba-Ahmed under the Labour Party in 2023, reiterated his alignment with the coalition’s vision. He stressed that no single group can save Nigeria alone and called for collective action.
The coalition’s new leadership, speaking through David Mark, claimed the PDP has become a shell of its former self and called on all “well-meaning Nigerians” to migrate to the ADC for true rescue efforts.
Internal Resistance Within PDP
Despite Atiku’s statements, senior PDP leaders like Bode George have accused him and Mark of abandoning the party in its time of need. “You left the house that built you,” George said, calling their exit disgraceful.
Meanwhile, other insiders, including Capt. Umar Bature and former PDP Secretary Ibrahim Tsauri, defended the move, arguing that the coalition provides a credible path to challenge APC dominance.
IDNN VERDICT:
Atiku’s fire is back—but whether the ADC can carry that fire to victory remains uncertain. Without discipline, strategy, and generational buy-in, the opposition still faces an uphill battle.
📡 Track the ADC coalition, campaign buildup, and anti-rigging agenda via IDNN Political Watch and our 2027 Countdown Desk.
