As Nigeria inches closer to another pivotal presidential election, the political landscape is heating up—and the stage is being set for a major showdown in 2027. For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the coming years will be crucial, not just in governance, but also in preparing to defend his mandate amid rising opposition momentum.

In a recent interview, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar revealed a surprising twist in his political journey. He expressed a willingness to step aside from the 2027 presidential race—if a younger, vibrant, and widely acceptable candidate emerges from his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This move, he said, would be in the interest of national progress and to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.

Atiku emphasized that his decision to remain politically active is not driven by desperation for power, but by a desire to “rescue Nigeria from those holding it hostage.” He encouraged young Nigerians to actively participate in politics, assuring them of full support and guidance if they step forward to lead.

He also took aim at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the government of deliberately weakening the opposition—particularly the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which he says was infiltrated by individuals used to sow internal discord. According to him, efforts to reform the PDP were constantly undermined, which ultimately led to his decision to work with the ADC to build a stronger and more unified alternative.

“The crisis in the PDP kept growing, and hope for resolution was fading fast,” Atiku said. “Some senior members of the party were allegedly being used to destabilize it further. If I had been in a position of authority—like party chairman or secretary—I would have taken bold steps to save the party.”

Turning attention to the ADC, Atiku noted that the party has already established a national structure and is currently working to strengthen its presence at the state and local levels, with eyes set firmly on the 2027 elections.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Atiku expressed deep concern over the country’s direction. While acknowledging that some progress has been made, he believes it falls far short of what Nigeria’s founding fathers envisioned.

He placed blame for Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship on President Tinubu’s government—particularly the sudden and unplanned removal of fuel subsidy in 2023. Atiku recalled that during his time as Vice President, there was a phased plan to gradually remove the subsidy in four stages, with full consultations involving labour unions and other stakeholders.

“But Tinubu removed it all at once, with no safety nets for the people,” he said. “That decision triggered the suffering we see today. No serious country removes fuel subsidy overnight—it brings nothing but pain and poverty.”

As the country braces for the challenges and opportunities ahead, one thing is clear: the battle for 2027 has already begun, and it may be unlike anything Nigeria has seen before.