Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, is more interested in building a better Nigeria than becoming president, one of his associates has said.

Speaking at an affirmation ceremony for new defectors into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Saturday in Lagos, Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, who represented Atiku, stressed that the former vice president’s focus was on good governance and national development.

“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. It’s not about him being president at all costs; it’s about ensuring that Nigerians have a government that delivers,” Olateju said.

He added that Atiku’s move to the ADC, alongside other opposition politicians, was driven by the desire to reposition the country and offer Nigerians a credible alternative.

“It is not politics as usual. ADC is not just a political party but a movement for a better Nigeria. What Atiku is championing is not personal ambition but a collective quest for a secure and prosperous nation,” he said.

Olateju noted that Nigerians were grappling with hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidy and inflation, but expressed confidence that with good leadership, a better Nigeria was possible.

On the ADC’s presidential candidate for 2027, he said the decision would be made through a free and fair process, assuring that no one would be imposed on the party.

“It is not about Atiku for president at all costs, nor Obi for president at all costs. Whoever emerges through due process will represent the aspirations of Nigerians,” he said.

Among the defectors received into the ADC were PDP Board of Trustees member Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, former Lagos PDP chairmen Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle, Lagos Central PDP Vice Chairman Tai Benedict, and a former PDP Youth Leader.

They were welcomed by ADC leaders including the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Kolawole Ogunwale; and the Lagos State ADC Chairman, Mr. George Ashiru.