2027: Atiku’s Ex-Aide, Aliyu Bin Abbas, Emerges ADP Presidential Candidate

Founder of the National Youth Alliance (NYA), Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas, has officially emerged as the presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) for the 2027 general election.

Abbas emerged on Saturday morning during the party’s National Convention held in Abuja. He becomes the second northerner to throw his hat into the ring despite agitations for power to remain in the South in 2027.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, said the result was announced at about 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, with delegates and supporters erupting in jubilation at the convention venue.

Aliyu Bin Abbas is a former political aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is also the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The statement, however, stressed that Abbas’ presidential bid was independent and not tied to any former political alliance.

“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 recognised political divergence, both leaders parted 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,” the statement said.

Speaking after his emergence, the Youth President of the National Youth Alliance described his victory as the beginning of a new era of leadership in Nigeria.

“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 said.

According to him, the journey towards a stronger, more prosperous and united Federal Republic of Nigeria begins now.

“A new movement, a new direction, a new Nigeria is set,” he assured.

The statement added that more details regarding the campaign’s policy direction, strategic roadmap and national engagement plans would be unveiled in due course.

Earlier at the convention, the National Chairman of the ADP, Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, congratulated delegates, party officers, members and supporters for their commitment to the party.

“Your sacrifice, patience and loyalty have kept the party alive, united and focused,” he said.

Sani noted that the ADP remained a credible alternative at a time when Nigerians were grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, poverty, social tension and declining confidence in public institutions.

“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,” he said.

Sani added that the party was committed to building a nation where citizens could live in peace, work with dignity and look forward to a better future.

“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,” he added.

Abbas’ emergence adds another northern contender to the growing list of aspirants expected to shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election.