…as Shehu Sani says Party delegates are a special breed of people.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | Former Senator for Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has offered a blunt reaction to comments made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who stated he would willingly step aside from the 2027 presidential race if defeated by a younger aspirant in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election.
Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, made the declaration during an interview with BBC Hausa. He signaled a willingness to support and mentor a younger candidate if such an aspirant emerged victorious at the party’s convention.
“If I run for office, and a young man defeats me, I will accept that,” Atiku stated. “The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women.”
However, the former Vice President stopped short of confirming whether he would officially throw his hat into the ring again. “This is only the beginning. Our priority is to establish the party and gain a strong following,” he said, referencing his new association with the ADC.
The comments come amid growing speculation that Atiku, 77, may still be weighing another presidential bid despite growing calls within and outside his camp for a generational power shift ahead of 2027.
Reacting to the development, Shehu Sani, known for his candid political commentary, took to his verified X handle (formerly Twitter) to express doubt that Atiku could be unseated in a primary contest – even by younger, more energetic candidates.
“His Excellency the Waziri reportedly said he would step aside if a younger candidate wins the primaries… The keyword here is primaries,” Sani posted.
“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.”
Shehu Sani’s comment points to the enduring influence Atiku wields within political party structures, particularly among delegates who often determine primary outcomes in Nigerian politics, a group he suggests is more loyal to power than to age.
Atiku’s new direction with the ADC is seen as a significant political shift, especially after several failed attempts at clinching Nigeria’s top job under different party platforms. Whether the move is tactical or a full divorce from the PDP remains to be seen.
While Atiku’s camp has described the ADC as a platform that reflects “progressive ideals, youth inclusion, and internal democracy,” political analysts remain skeptical about the party’s capacity to mount a serious nationwide campaign without a complete restructuring.
With the 2027 general elections just over two years away, the race to control party structures and public sentiment is already underway. Atiku’s statements may win applause from youth advocates, but insiders like Shehu Sani believe that, in the brutal arena of Nigerian primaries, good intentions alone are rarely enough.
For now, Atiku remains both a power broker and a possible contender – until the primaries prove otherwise.
