Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he would support anyone that picks the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of 2027 elections.
Mr Atiku revealed this when he fielded questions DW Hausa monitored in Kaduna.
“We will support and endorse whoever emerges as the flag bearer. How many are we (presidential aspirants), three or four? In the PDP, more than ten of us contested,” he said.
Atiku said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot undermine the ADC, adding that the party has continued to attract members nationwide.
The former Vice President said the ADC is youth-friendly, adding that the party was committed to youth and women inclusion.
“The youths have taken over the party. Most of those seeking elective positions, from councillor to state assembly, national assembly and House of Representatives, are young people. We have always said our party belongs to youths and women. Our role is to create the opportunity and hand it over to them,” he said.
He declared that he would support any youth who will emerge as presidential candidate of the party field one.
Atiku said “Allah has done everything for me. I have brought my sons and grandchildren home. What will be their future and that of their children?”
He said Nigerians were ready for change, because of the worsening economic and security conditions.
“We are confident that Nigerians are yearning for change. They are ready for it. They are being pushed to the wall and are prepared to do even more than they did in the previous elections,” he said.
The former Vice President linked rising insecurity, particularly in the North, to youth unemployment and poor access to education.
“Insecurity is more severe in the northern states, largely due to youth unemployment and lack of access to education. When you go round the region, you see that education is not receiving the attention it deserves. It has been relegated.
“Governments have not ensured that children enrol in school, and even when they graduate, there are no jobs or business opportunities. I have never witnessed a period like this in Nigeria,” he said.
According to Atiku, the government was tolerating corruption.
He said “there is also embezzlement on the part of government and corruption is rampant. The government has turned a blind eye because it is involved.”
