According to ADC chieftain Ladan Salihu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains a formidable political figure despite recent defections by some governors formerly aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking during an interview aired on Arise News and published on the network’s official YouTube channel on June 1, 2026, Salihu expressed confidence in Atiku’s political prospects ahead of the 2027 general election.
Salihu argued that the electoral strength of a presidential candidate should not be measured solely by the number of governors backing the campaign. He maintained that a candidate’s popularity, the strength of the political party, and the effectiveness of the coalition supporting the campaign are equally important factors in determining electoral success.
Addressing concerns about the impact of recent defections from the PDP, Salihu downplayed their significance. He contended that many of the governors who have left the party no longer possess the level of political influence often attributed to them. According to him, some of these political figures may find it difficult to secure victories even within their own constituencies if elections were conducted under current political realities.
Emphasizing his position, Salihu stated, “Most of the governors who have defected will not support him, as many of them have now become paper tigers in their states.”
The ADC leader further explained that the party is focused on building a broad-based political coalition capable of presenting a credible alternative to Nigerians. He noted that efforts are underway to unite political stakeholders from different backgrounds under a common platform with the aim of promoting effective leadership and addressing national challenges.
Salihu expressed optimism about the growing alliance within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as a strategic movement that could strengthen the party’s chances in the 2027 elections. He said the coalition is designed not only to improve the party’s electoral prospects but also to advance a vision for governance, national development, and democratic consolidation.