Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has formally declared his intention to run for the presidency in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. This announcement comes after speculation arose that he might instead support the eventual presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party recently adopted by the opposition coalition he helped form.

Atiku, a long-time figure in Nigerian politics, has previously contested for the presidency on multiple platforms. His political journey includes presidential runs under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1993, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 1999, 2003, 2011, and 2023, the Action Congress in 2007, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015. Despite moving to the ADC along with other former PDP stalwarts, Atiku had remained silent on his presidential aspirations—until now.

Contrary to earlier comments made by his representative, Professor Ola Olateju of Achievers University, who suggested that Atiku was not desperate for the presidency and was more focused on building good governance, Atiku has now publicly distanced himself from those remarks. Speaking from his residence in the United Arab Emirates, the former vice president clarified that Olateju had not been authorised to speak on his behalf and that his views did not reflect Atiku’s actual stance.

“I will run in 2027,” Atiku confirmed. He cited the dire economic and social conditions in the country as a key motivation for his return to the political arena, stating that Nigeria must be rescued from what he described as an “intensive care unit” state caused by poor leadership.

He further assured his supporters that the ADC-led coalition would present a strong and credible challenge in 2027, vowing to mobilise Nigerians to reclaim the country. He criticised the current administration for widespread corruption, lack of accountability, and a decline in national values, saying these issues must urgently be addressed.

Atiku declared his readiness to lead what he called the “reclamation and reconstruction” of Nigeria, reaffirming his resolve to be on the ballot and lead a movement aimed at restoring national dignity and prosperity.