“Whoever Emerges Through Free and Fair Contest, We Will Support” – Atiku on 2027 ADC Ticket

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has assured party members that he will fully support whoever emerges as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking at a welcome ceremony for new defectors to the ADC coalition in Lagos on Saturday, Atiku—represented by Prof. Ola Olateju—emphasized that the party’s candidate would be determined solely through a free and fair primary process.

“It is not something we can predetermine. Whoever emerges through free and fair contests, we are all going to support,” he said, stressing that no aspirant would be imposed on members.

The Lagos event saw the ADC formally receive key defectors from both the ADC and Labour Party (LP). National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Kolawole Ogunwale, and Lagos State Chairman George Ashiru officially welcomed the new members.

Atiku, a leading figure in the coalition movement, reiterated that all aspirants would enjoy a level playing field, and that the eventual flagbearer would represent the collective will of Nigerians.

The ADC presidential primary, slated for 2026, is expected to be a keen contest among top political heavyweights, with Atiku himself, former Rivers State governor Chibuike Amaechi, and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi identified as the frontrunners.