Former Vice President and one-time presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has declared that his political ambition has never been about personal power or desperation to occupy Aso Rock, but about building a Nigeria that works for every citizen.
Atiku made this known on Saturday in Lagos during an affirmation ceremony organised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to formally receive a wave of new defectors into the party.
The event, which drew a large crowd of supporters, party leaders and stakeholders, was described as a significant moment for the ADC, as several prominent figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) publicly announced their switch to the party.
Represented by Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, the former Vice President insisted that his lifelong mission was to see Nigeria secure, united, and prosperous.
He stressed that the clamour around him being President had been exaggerated, noting that his real commitment was to ensure the emergence of good leadership, regardless of who wears the crown of authority.
“What Atiku Abubakar is after is not about himself or his name being written in history as President.
“His plan is to help build a Nigeria that delivers for its citizens.
“It is about a government that can work, a government that can provide jobs, reduce poverty, restore security and give hope to the ordinary Nigerian.
“This is bigger than Atiku, bigger than one individual, and that is why many of us are standing with him.”
He added that the ADC, for him and his associates, is not just another political platform but a movement of concerned Nigerians determined to reset the nation on the path of greatness.
Olateju, speaking on Atiku’s behalf, explained that the ADC was deliberately building a coalition of Nigerians who are tired of politics as usual and want a radical shift in governance.
“The ADC is not just a political party. It is a movement for national rebirth, a platform for Nigerians who want real change.
“We are saying it is no longer business as usual. We need a fresh beginning for this country, and that is what Atiku Abubakar is championing.
“It is not about him being President at all costs. The only thing that is a ‘must’ for him is for Nigeria to work again, to deliver good governance and to restore the dignity of its people.”
He warned that Nigerians are currently suffering from the combined impact of fuel subsidy removal, high cost of living, and rising inflation, but insisted that with visionary leadership, the nation could still achieve its full potential.
When asked about who would likely fly the ADC’s flag in the 2027 presidential race, Atiku made it clear that the decision would rest solely with the party members and the Nigerian people.
“This is not about imposing anybody. We are not saying it must be Atiku, it must be Obi, or it must be any particular person.
“Whoever emerges through a free and fair process will be the choice of Nigerians, and we will all stand behind that person. The struggle is not about titles, but about building a better Nigeria.”
He further explained that the collective aspiration of the party was to raise a candidate who embodies the people’s voice, vision, and demand for progress.
Atiku expressed confidence that God would use the coalition of progressive-minded Nigerians within the ADC to bring about the long-awaited turnaround in the country.
According to him, Nigerians are hungry for credible leadership that will tackle corruption, insecurity, unemployment, and economic stagnation.
“The truth is that Nigerians want results. They want leaders that can bring solutions, not excuses.
“They want a country that provides opportunities for its youths, ensures safety for its citizens, and builds prosperity for all. That is the Nigeria we are fighting for.”
The highlight of the event was the official defection of several heavyweight politicians from the PDP and LP to the ADC. Among those who joined the party were:
- Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, member of the PDP Board of Trustees,
- Chief Muritala Ashorobi, former Chairman of Lagos PDP,
- Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle, another former PDP Chairman in Lagos,
- Mr. Tai Benedict, PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central),
- A former PDP Youth Leader, and many others.
Their defection was seen as a significant boost for the ADC in Lagos State and across Nigeria, signalling growing discontent with the old political order.
The defectors were warmly received by top ADC leaders, including the party’s National Secretary, former Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Kolawole Ogunwale; and Mr. George Ashiru, Lagos State Chairman of the ADC.
In their remarks, the leaders assured the new members of equal opportunities within the party, adding that the ADC was committed to providing a credible alternative to Nigerians who were tired of failed promises.
The ceremony ended with a renewed commitment from ADC leaders and members to work together for Nigeria’s rebirth.
They described the gathering as the beginning of a political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the ADC positioning itself as the true voice of Nigerians.