Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has once again ignited controversy in the political space after backtracking on claims that he had promised to step down for another candidate in the build-up to the 2027 elections. Speaking on Thursday, Atiku declared:
“I didn’t promise to step down for anybody — I said I’d support whoever gets ADC ticket.”
The statement, however, has triggered a storm of criticism, with many Nigerians questioning whether Atiku is being entirely truthful or simply engaging in his usual political doublespeak.
For months, speculations had swirled around the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, alleging he was negotiating alliances with other parties to bolster his dwindling political influence. Reports had suggested Atiku was prepared to collapse his structure into another party’s platform if it would guarantee him relevance. But his sudden denial has now left observers wondering if he is merely shifting positions for convenience.
Political analysts argue that Atiku’s comment is another example of his long record of inconsistent political commitments. “This is vintage Atiku — he says one thing today and another tomorrow. Nigerians are tired of leaders who cannot stand firmly by their word,” a political commentator in Abuja noted.
Atiku, who has contested the presidency multiple times without success, is now under intense pressure to justify his continued relevance. Critics say his refusal to retire from the political stage shows desperation rather than patriotism.
“Instead of bowing out gracefully, Atiku keeps clinging to any opportunity to remain in the picture. It’s not about the people, it’s about his ambition,” another analyst remarked.
The former vice president’s remarks about the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have also raised eyebrows, as questions emerge over his exact relationship with the smaller party. While Atiku claims he would only support whoever emerges with the ADC ticket, detractors accuse him of playing both sides — waiting to hijack another platform after serial defeats.
Opposition voices insist that Atiku’s latest defense is a veiled attempt to keep himself politically relevant while masking his true intentions. His critics argue that whether in PDP or through another alliance, his endgame remains the same — personal ambition at all costs.
For many Nigerians, Atiku’s words have only deepened existing doubts about his credibility. Rather than uniting opposition voices against the ruling party, his perceived desperation is now fueling fresh divisions.
The question for many remains: is Atiku truly committed to supporting democracy, or is he simply using every party platform as a stepping stone for his never-ending presidential ambition?