BY CHIJIOKE CHARLES
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed the outcome of the presidential primary conducted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the reported vote tally secured by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as fabricated and politically questionable.
Atiku made the remarks on Tuesday in Yola, Adamawa State, shortly after participating in the presidential primary exercise of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where party members and supporters gathered at Ajiya Ward in Yola North Local Government Area.
His reaction followed claims by APC officials that Tinubu polled 10,999,160 votes during the party’s presidential primary, a figure announced to reaffirm support for the President ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Responding to questions from journalists on whether the large vote tally had affected opposition morale, Atiku strongly rejected the numbers and insisted Nigerians should not attach significance to the result.
“It is a lie. The figures were merely written,” he said.
The former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate argued that the opposition still has a realistic path to challenge the APC in the next general election, expressing confidence that the ADC can emerge as a formidable force in 2027.
Atiku also pointed to what he described as growing public interest in the party, particularly among younger Nigerians. According to him, participation at the ADC exercise reflected dissatisfaction with the current administration and increasing support for alternative political platforms.
“It is encouraging to see the large number of people gathered here for this exercise, especially the youths. Whenever young people embrace something, it shows that it is worthwhile and beneficial to them and their families,” he stated.
Addressing reports of internal disagreements within the ADC, Atiku downplayed concerns over possible cracks in the opposition movement.
“We are confident. We do not see any challenge that will stop us from achieving what we set out to do,” he said.
The former vice-president also issued a direct appeal to voters ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“My message to Nigerians is to vote for the ADC. Any other party aside from the ADC will only worsen their hardship,” he added.
The comments come amid intensified political consultations and strategic realignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election. While the APC continues projecting confidence in Tinubu’s re-election prospects, opposition figures have increased criticism of the administration over economic hardship, inflation and the rising cost of living.
Atiku’s latest remarks could further deepen political tensions between the ruling party and opposition blocs. The claims may also fuel renewed debate over internal party voting processes, transparency in political primaries and the credibility of large electoral figures announced by political parties.
