Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said his quest for a better Nigeria is more important to him than the ambition of becoming president.
Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated this on Saturday during the official defection of several political leaders to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos.
Represented by Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, the former vice president said his political vision was focused on building a government that works for Nigerians rather than on personal ambition.
“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. It’s not about him being president. It’s about establishing a government that works for Nigerians. That’s why some of us are with him — not because Atiku must be president at all costs,” Olateju said.
He described the ADC as a platform that offers a fresh start in Nigeria’s political landscape, adding that the party was focused on real change rather than “politics as usual.”
“We need a new beginning in Nigeria, and that’s what Atiku is championing. The real goal is national development, not personal ambition,” he stressed.
On the 2027 presidential election, Atiku said the ADC’s candidate would emerge through a transparent and democratic process.
“Whoever emerges through a free and fair process will have our full support. The focus is not ‘Atiku for president’ or ‘Obi for president’ at all costs. It’s about the best candidate representing the hopes of Nigerians,” he said.
Among those who defected to the ADC were PDP Board of Trustees member, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu; former Lagos PDP chairmen, Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Capt. Tunji Shelle (rtd.); former PDP youth leader, Mr. Tai Benedict; and the PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central).
They were received by ADC leaders, including National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Kolawole Ogunwale; and Lagos State Chairman, Mr. George Ashiru.
