Lagos, April 15, 2026 — Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has announced that he will contest the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as his final attempt to lead Nigeria. Speaking during a live interview on Arise TV Prime Time, Atiku delivered a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and dismissed the notion that the presidency should be zoned along regional lines.
Atiku insisted that zoning is a political arrangement, not a constitutional requirement.
“Zoning of the presidency is not in the constitution,” he said, adding that leadership should be determined by competence and the will of the people rather than regional rotation.
He warned that continued APC rule would spell “a bleak future” for the country, urging Nigerians to unite behind genuine change. He described Tinubu’s government as “the worst I have ever seen in my life,” citing failures in governance and security. Atiku emphasized that his campaign will focus on restoring security, reviving the economy, and strengthening democratic institutions.
The former Vice President, who has contested three times without success, said his decision to run again was driven by Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship. He stressed that “public support matters more than money” in elections, and that the ADC offers a credible platform for opposition forces to challenge the APC in 2027.
Political analysts note that Atiku’s rejection of zoning could reshape debates within Nigeria’s political landscape, especially as parties weigh regional balancing against merit-based candidacies. His remarks are expected to intensify discussions on governance, insecurity, and the country’s economic trajectory.
The interview, broadcast live on Arise TV, is already generating reactions across social media and political circles, with supporters hailing his resolve and critics questioning the viability of another presidential bid.
