Former Vice President and presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar has dismissed speculation that he may defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This is as affirmed loyalty to the embattled leadership of the party led by David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Pidgin, Abubakar said he and his supporters remain confident that the courts will affirm the leadership of David Mark, who is at the centre of the party’s internal dispute.
He said, “We believe the trial court will dispense the case as soon as possible, even before the congress. Observers are not lawyers, but we are confident the court will uphold David Mark’s leadership.”
Addressing rumours that he could join another political platform due to the crisis, the former Vice President insisted that leaving the ADC was unnecessary, citing the party’s established structures and investments.
He said, “Some of the parties don’t have structures. ADC is a coalition of the movement we started about one and a half years ago. So, a lot of appropriation has gone into it. We are focused on concluding the judicial process and continuing our activities.”
The former presidential candidate emphasized that the ADC remains a viable political vehicle, describing it as a product of a coalition movement built over time with significant political capital and grassroots engagement.
Commenting on the possibility of not securing the ADC’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, Abubakar acknowledged the presence of other influential figures within the party, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The former VP characterized the ADC as a coalition of leaders and strong contenders, suggesting that internal competition would be managed within the framework of party unity.
He said, “We have agreed… we are all leaders,” indicating a collective approach to resolving ambitions within the party.
Recall that the opposition ADC has been grappling with internal leadership disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The outcome of the ongoing judicial proceedings is expected to significantly influence the party’s organizational stability and the eventual presidential race.
Political analysts say Atiku Abubakar’s public affirmation of loyalty to the ADC is aimed at reassuring supporters and consolidating his position within the party amid uncertainty.
With legal proceedings still underway, the party’s immediate focus appears to be on securing judicial clarity before proceeding with its congress and other pre-election activities.
