Atiku Breaks Silence: I’ll Declare War On Corruption If I Run In 2027

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has signaled a potential bid for the 2027 presidency.

Though still officially a PDP member, Atiku — a former Vice President and influential figure in the newly formed opposition coalition — is believed to have aligned himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has been adopted as the coalition’s political platform. However, he has yet to formally announce his defection from the PDP.

Just days ago, the coalition unveiled its interim leadership, with former Senate President David Mark named as Interim National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as Interim National Secretary, alongside other prominent appointments.

Addressing supporters in Hausa via a video shared on his handle, Atiku issued a stern warning against corruption, promising tough action if elected president.

“I swear by God, if elected, anyone found guilty of stealing or any form of corruption will face a full-scale war. They must be punished,” he declared.

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the coalition’s capacity to offer viable solutions to Nigeria’s problems.

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Wike criticized opposition figures, including Atiku, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, former Senate President David Mark, and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing them of pursuing self-serving political ambitions rather than genuine national interest.

Despite political observers describing the coalition’s emergence as a potential “tsunami,” Wike insisted he remained unbothered by the alliance, defending the policies of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu.