Former aide Abbas becomes ADP presidential candidate.

By Henry Umoru

Before the 2027 general elections, Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas has been announced as the presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP).

Abbas, who once served as a political aide to former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, founded the National Youth Alliance (NYA), a movement aimed at securing greater representation for youth and women in Nigeria.

He was declared the ADP candidate during the party’s national convention in Abuja on Saturday morning.

A statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Okpani Jacob Dickson, noted that the results were announced at about 5:30 a.m. and that the venue erupted in jubilation. The adviser said further details—including the campaign’s policy direction, strategic roadmap, and national engagement plans—would be released later.

The statement read: “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.”

“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 recognized 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 principals, but as a direct response to the yearning of millions of Nigerian youths seeking fresh, uncompromised leadership.”

Speaking after his declaration, the ADP flagbearer said a new dawn was set in Nigeria with his emergence and pledged to harness artificial intelligence to address national challenges.

Abbas said, “This milestone represents more than a political victory; it signifies the emergence of a new generation of leadership committed to national renewal, inclusive governance, economic transformation, and the empowerment of Nigerian youths.”

“As Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its history, this development signals the beginning of a movement driven by hope, patriotism, and a collective determination to build a nation that works for all. It is a call to every Nigerian—regardless of ethnicity, religion, region, or political background—to unite behind a common vision of progress, justice, prosperity, and national greatness.”

Abbas added that the journey toward a stronger, more prosperous, and united Federal Republic of Nigeria has just begun, and that “a new movement, a new direction, a new Nigeria is set.”

Earlier in his remarks at the opening of the National Convention, ADP National Chairman Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani congratulated all delegates, officers, members and supporters for remaining steadfast, disciplined and committed to the party’s progress. He said, “Your sacrifice, patience and loyalty have kept the party alive, united and focused.”

“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.”

“Our country requires a new political attitude. Nigeria needs leaders who understand that public office is a trust, not a privilege for self‑enrichment.”

“Nigeria needs a party that believes in service, not domination; inclusion, not exclusion; competence, not propaganda; and unity, not division.”

“That is why the ADP remains relevant. That is why we are gathered here today.”

According to Sani, ADP is committed to building a Nigeria where every citizen can live in peace, work with dignity and hope for a better future.

He added, “We believe in a nation where the youth are empowered, women are respected and included, farmers are supported, workers are protected, businesses are encouraged, and every community is given a fair opportunity to prosper.”

“This convention is also an opportunity to strengthen our internal structures and demonstrate that democracy must begin from within the political parties themselves.”

“We cannot demand national democracy if we do not practise party democracy. We cannot ask Nigerians to trust us if we do not conduct our own affairs with transparency, fairness and order.”

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