2027: Former aide Abbas Abbas emerges as ADP presidential candidate to contest Tinubu and other rivals

Ambassador Aliyu Abbas has officially been chosen as the Action Democratic Party’s (ADP) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, set to compete against President Bola Tinubu and other contenders.

Abbas secured the nomination during the party’s National Convention in Abuja on Saturday morning.

A statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, noted that the results were announced at approximately 5:30 a.m., and the venue erupted in enthusiastic celebration.

Aliyu Bin Abbas previously served as a political aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“However, for the avoidance of doubt and to clarify the distinct trajectory of this candidacy, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas steps into this race on his own merits and under a completely independent platform,” said the adviser.

“While he previously served as a close political aide to Atiku Abubakar (who is also contesting the 2027 presidency under the ADC platform), that administrative chapter formally ended over two years ago. Following a widely recognised political divergence, both leaders part ways, with public consensus affirming that Ambassador Aliyu should chart his own course to champion the cause of the younger generation.”

“Therefore, this candidacy is entirely autonomous. It stands fully divorced from the influence of old political blocs, serving neither as a proxy movement nor a strategic alignment with past principles, but as a direct response to the yearning of millions of Nigerian youths seeking fresh, uncompromised leadership.”

In his remarks, the ADP’s National Chairman, Yabagi Yusuf Sani, congratulated all delegates, officers, members, and supporters for their steadfastness, discipline, and commitment to the party’s progress.

“Your sacrifice, patience, and loyalty have kept the party alive, united, and focused,” he said. “The ADP has continued to present itself to Nigerians as the credible alternative. At a time when our country faces deep economic pressure, insecurity, unemployment, poverty, social tension, and loss of confidence in public institutions, Nigerians are searching for leadership that is sincere, competent, courageous, and compassionate.”

Earlier, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, also from northern Nigeria, was announced as the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, set to contest President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress flagbearer.