Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says Nigerians are ready to vote out the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, as he also promised to support whoever emerges as the flag bearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the forthcoming general elections.

The former vice president said Nigerians under President Bola Tinubu’s administration are being left with no other option than to yearn for a change in leadership and prepare for a better outing than witnessed during the last general elections.

“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 during an interview with DW Hausa on Saturday. 

“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,” Mr Abubakar said.

Stating that young people have been assuming leadership roles within the party, Mr Abubakar described the ADC as a platform that prioritises youth inclusion.

“Yes, why not? The youths have taken over the party (ADC). Most of those seeking elective positions, from councillor to state assembly, national assembly, and House of Representatives, are young people,” Mr Abubakar said.

“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.

Dismissing claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s delisting of the David Mark-led faction of the ADC could destabilise the party, Mr Abubakar said the party, in contrast, has continued to gain acceptance across the country.

Tracing recent developments as a consequence of the ADC’s rising popularity, the former vice president said powerful forces were responsible for the party’s current challenges.

Commenting on the spate of insecurity in the country, particularly in the northern region, Mr Abubakar argued that Nigeria’s aggravating insecurity is largely driven by youth unemployment and lack of 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,” Mr Abubakar stated.

“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 added.

He accused the administration of Mr Tinubu of failing to decisively tackle corruption in the country.

“There is also embezzlement on the part of the government, and corruption is rampant. The government has turned a blind eye because it is involved,” he said.