Former All Progressives Congress presidential aspirant Adamu Garba has announced that he is stepping back from active political participation. He is doing so after nine years of involvement in Nigerian politics.
Garba, in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, said the decision followed careful reflection. Furthermore, he wants to devote his attention to his technology business and its artificial intelligence projects.
Garba turns attention to technology
The former presidential hopeful said his responsibilities as Executive Chairman of IPI Group Limited and Chief Platform Architect now required a level of attention. He added that it would be difficult to combine these duties with intensive political activities.
“I have therefore chosen to give my full and exclusive attention to the development of our AI-First enterprise,” Garba said.
He explained that his work required sustained involvement, technical depth and a presence that could not easily be delegated.
Garba also thanked political associates, supporters and party leaders who backed him throughout his political journey.
He said the experience had shaped him and expressed gratitude for the confidence people placed in him over the years.
Nine-year political journey
Garba first declared his interest in becoming Nigeria’s president ahead of the 2019 election on the platform of the APC.
He later returned to the presidential race ahead of the 2023 election. However, he withdrew after the party fixed its expression-of-interest and nomination forms at N100m.
At the time, Garba argued that the high cost risked commercialising politics. In addition, it made participation difficult for younger or less wealthy Nigerians.
His campaign had raised more than N83m from supporters, which he said would be refunded following his withdrawal.
Despite stepping away from frontline political activity, Garba said his focus would remain on contributing to Nigeria and Africa through technology and innovation.
