Shehu Sani on Atiku warns it’s almost impossible to defeat Atiku in party primaries despite Atiku’s promise to step aside for younger candidates
Shehu Sani on Atiku has issued a bold response to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent statement about potentially stepping aside in the 2027 presidential race.
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Atiku Abubakar had revealed in a BBC Hausa interview that he would withdraw his candidacy if a younger contender defeated him in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primaries, pledging to support and mentor the victor.
“If I run for office, and a young man defeats me, I will accept that. The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women,” Atiku said.
However, Shehu Sani on Atiku has cast serious doubt on this scenario. Writing on his official X handle, the former Kaduna Central senator remarked, “His Excellency the Waziri reportedly said he would step aside if a younger candidate wins the primaries It’s easier for a camel to pass through the hole of a needle than to beat the Waziri in primaries. Party delegates are a special breed of people.”
Sani’s comment highlights the formidable challenge that any aspirant faces in overcoming Atiku’s influence within the party’s delegate system.
This raises questions about the practicality of Atiku’s promise to yield to younger candidates.
Atiku, while signalling readiness to prioritise party unity and youth representation, has not confirmed whether he will contest the presidency again, stating, “This is only the beginning. Our priority is to establish the party and gain a strong following.”
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The political tussle in the lead-up to the 2027 election is set to be intense, with Atiku’s enduring stature making him a difficult opponent to unseat within party ranks.
