• Aliyu Bin Abbas, a former political aide to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has emerged as the Action Democratic Party presidential candidate for the 2027 election
• He insists his presidential ambition is independent of Atiku and his campaign will focus on youth empowerment, inclusive governance, and economic transformation
• Abbas described his emergence as the beginning of a new political movement for national renewal

Aliyu Bin Abbas, a former political aide to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has emerged as the presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) for the 2027 general election.

Abbas, who founded the National Youth Alliance, secured the party’s ticket during the ADP National Convention held in Abuja in the early hours of Saturday.

His emergence adds another dimension to the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, as opposition parties and emerging political movements position themselves to tap into growing public concerns over economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and governance challenges.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Okpani Dickson, the announcement of the convention results sparked celebrations among party delegates and supporters.

Dickson, however, stressed that Abbas’ presidential bid is entirely separate from that of his former principal, Atiku Abubakar, who is also pursuing the presidency on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“For the avoidance of doubt and to clarify the distinct trajectory of this candidacy, Aliyu Bin Abbas steps into this race on his own merits and under a completely independent platform,” Dickson stated.

He explained that although Abbas once served as a close political aide to Atiku, their political relationship ended more than two years ago following a widely acknowledged divergence in political direction.

“Both leaders parted ways, with public consensus affirming that Aliyu should chart his own course to champion the cause of the younger generation. Therefore, this candidacy is entirely autonomous,” he added.

Dickson further noted that Abbas’ campaign is not aligned with any established political bloc and should not be viewed as a proxy project.

“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,” he said.

Speaking after his victory, Abbas described his nomination as the start of a broader movement focused on national renewal, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance.

“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,” he said.

He called on Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and political divides to unite behind a common vision of progress, justice, and prosperity.

“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,” Abbas stated.

The ADP presidential candidate pledged to prioritise national unity and economic growth, assuring supporters that his campaign would focus on building a stronger and more prosperous country.

“The journey towards a stronger, more prosperous, and more united Federal Republic of Nigeria begins now. A new movement, a new direction, a new Nigeria is set,” he declared.

Earlier, ADP National Chairman Yabagi Yusuf Sani described the convention as another important step in the party’s efforts to establish itself as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political space.

He praised party members, delegates, and supporters for their commitment despite the challenges facing opposition parties.

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

He also emphasised the need for transparency and internal democracy within political parties, arguing that parties must practise democratic values if they hope to earn the trust of Nigerians.

“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,” he stated.

2027 election: NRM picks actress Esther Okereke as presidential candidate

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Esther Okereke emerged as the presidential candidate of NRM (National Rescue Movement) ahead of the 2027 general election, joining the growing list of opposition figures preparing to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

Okereke clinched the party’s ticket during the NRM presidential primary held in Abuja, defeating former Labour Party presidential aspirant Joseph Faduri and UK-based businessman Ademola Onigbokun.