Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pushed back against speculation suggesting he may exit the African Democratic Congress, insisting he remains loyal to the party despite its ongoing leadership crisis.
In an interview with BBC Pidgin, Atiku maintained that leaving the party is not under consideration, expressing confidence in the judicial process to resolve the dispute. He noted that the party is optimistic the courts will validate the leadership of David Mark.
He said, “We believe the trial court will dispense the case as soon as possible, even before Congress. Observers are not lawyers, but we are confident the court will uphold David Mark’s leadership.”
Addressing suggestions that he could align with another political platform due to the crisis, Atiku argued that such a move would be unnecessary given the ADC’s established structure and investments.
“Some of the parties don’t have structures. ADC is a coalition of the movement we started about one and a half years ago, so a lot of appropriation has gone into it. We are focused on concluding the judicial process and continuing our activities,” he stated.
On concerns about securing the party’s presidential ticket, Atiku described the ADC as a coalition comprising several influential figures, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, emphasizing unity among its leadership. He said: “We have agreed… we are all leaders.”
The remarks come at a time when the ADC is grappling with internal disagreements as political activities gradually build toward the 2027 general elections.
