Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has declared that his priority is building a better Nigeria rather than occupying the seat of president.
Atiku made this known on Saturday during an affirmation ceremony held in Lagos to welcome new defectors into the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Several prominent members of the PDP and Labour Party officially declared their membership of ADC at the event.
Represented by Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, Atiku explained that his political journey is not driven by personal ambition but by a vision for a secure and prosperous nation.
> “Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. It is not about him being president at all costs. What matters is a government that truly delivers for Nigerians. ADC, to us, is not just a political party but a movement — a movement of Nigerians committed to a better country,” Olateju said on his behalf.
He stressed that the ADC movement was focused on repositioning Nigeria, providing good leadership, and breaking away from “politics as usual.”
According to him, Nigerians deserve a new beginning that guarantees relief from hardship, particularly the challenges brought about by fuel subsidy removal and rising inflation. He expressed optimism that with strong leadership, Nigeria can achieve meaningful progress.
Atiku also emphasized that the choice of ADC’s presidential flagbearer in the 2027 election would be left entirely to party members through a free and fair process.
> “It is not about Atiku or Obi being president at all costs. Whoever emerges through a transparent contest will have the support of all. The focus is a better Nigeria, not the ambition of any single individual,” he said.
Among those who defected to ADC at the event were PDP Board of Trustee member Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, former Lagos PDP chairmen Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle, PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), and former PDP Youth Leader Mr. Tai Benedict, among others.
They were formally received by ADC national leaders, including the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Kolawole Ogunwale; and the party’s Lagos State Chairman, Mr. George Ashiru.
