Former vice president Atiku Abubakar has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will first attempt to select its 2027 presidential candidate by consensus, only resorting to primaries if that approach fails.
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV on Wednesday, Atiku’s comments appeared to contradict those of fellow contender Peter Obi, who on Tuesday insisted the party would hold “direct primaries”.
Asked whether he would remain in politics after 2027, Atiku was unequivocal, saying the next election would be the final chapter of his political career.
“Certainly yes… that will be my last outing,” he told the station, adding later: “That’s incontrovertible.”
On the selection process, Atiku said: “The first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t work out, then we will go for primary elections. But I will support anybody who emerges.”
He also indicated he would step aside for any winner, and when asked specifically about Peter Obi added: “Of course, if he is a contender, why not?”
A “dollarised primary” — a term used in Nigerian politics to describe the alleged practice of paying delegates to secure party tickets — was raised in the interview.
Obi had previously dismissed such concerns, asserting the ADC’s process would be free and fair and insisting “we are doing direct primaries”.
Obi has said in the past that “Atiku is my leader”.
Atiku, a long‑standing figure in Nigerian politics who has contested the presidency since 1993, acknowledged the challenge of convincing voters he remains the right choice.
He defended the value of experience in leadership, drawing on lessons learned while serving under former president Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007).
“I represent both the past and the future,” he said, arguing that younger leaders still needed mentorship and exposure to governance.
“Young men also require experience to be able to succeed,” he added.
