Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his intention to contest in the 2027 presidential election, putting to rest speculations that he might step aside.

Speaking through his aide Tunde Olusunle, Atiku dismissed claims that he was reconsidering his political future, stressing that Nigeria must be “decisively rescued” from the crisis it has been plunged into under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Atiku, now leading a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has tried to downplay the momentum of the new political movement. But he insisted the ADC, which has attracted several heavyweight politicians in recent months, would surprise many at the polls.

“The deceit, the loss of values, the mega-scale thievery, and the lack of accountability must disturb every patriot,” Atiku was quoted as saying. “I will be offering myself to lead the reclamation and reconstruction of our traumatised homeland.”

His remarks came after confusion arose from comments made by Prof. Ola Olateju, who represented Atiku at a recent ADC event. Olateju suggested Atiku was not fixated on becoming president, but rather focused on building a better Nigeria. Atiku, however, quickly clarified from his base in the UAE that such a position was not sanctioned by him.

“I did not issue that statement,” he said. “I will run in 2027. Nigeria needs to be decisively rescued from the intensive care unit it has been consigned.”

The ADC, which Atiku now champions, is positioning itself as a third-force alternative to the dominance of APC and PDP. Alongside Atiku, other top figures like Peter Obi, former Anambra governor, and Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers governor, are also expected to vie for the party’s ticket.

While Obi has made it clear he will not play a secondary role to anyone, Atiku is leaning on his vast political experience and wide network to emerge as the coalition’s flagbearer.

Meanwhile, the presidency has often dismissed the ADC as “non-existent” and lacking real electoral weight. But Atiku remains confident that the coalition will mobilize Nigerians and disrupt the status quo come 2027.