Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu secured more than 10 million votes in the All Progressives Congress primary election held over the weekend. Speaking to journalists at his Ajiya ward in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State after casting his ballot in the African Democratic Congress presidential primary, Atiku urged Nigerians to focus on the 2027 general elections as an opportunity to vote out the ruling party.
Atiku described the figures being circulated about Tinubu’s primary victory as misleading, stressing that Nigerians should not be swayed by inflated numbers. He argued that the real issue is the performance of the government and the worsening conditions facing citizens across the country.
The former vice-president emphasized that the 2027 elections must serve as a turning point for Nigeria, calling on voters to hold leaders accountable through the ballot box. He said the opposition must remain united to challenge the APC and present credible alternatives to the electorate.
Atiku’s remarks drew mixed reactions, with supporters applauding his call for change and critics accusing him of politicizing the debate over primary election figures. Political analysts noted that his comments reflect growing tensions ahead of the 2027 polls, where economic hardship and governance challenges are expected to dominate campaign narratives.
Observers also pointed out that Atiku’s participation in the ADC primary signals his continued engagement in Nigeria’s political landscape, despite his long-standing association with the PDP. His comments underscore the fluid nature of party politics in Nigeria, where alliances and candidacies often shift ahead of major elections.
The controversy over Tinubu’s reported vote tally highlights broader concerns about transparency in party primaries and the credibility of internal electoral processes. As the 2027 general elections approach, debates over figures, accountability, and governance are likely to intensify, shaping the political atmosphere in Africa’s largest democracy.
