Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas has been declared the presidential candidate of the Action Democratic Party for the 2027 general elections after emerging victorious at the party’s national convention held in Abuja, in a development titled “Abbas Secures ADP Presidential Ticket for 2027 Elections.”
Abbas, a former political aide to former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, is also the founder of the National Youth Alliance a movement advocating stronger representation for Nigerian youths and women in governance.
He was announced as the party’s flagbearer in the early hours of Saturday, with the declaration sparking jubilation among delegates at the convention venue.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Okpani Jacob Dickson, the results were officially announced at about 5:30 a.m., while further details on the campaign’s policy direction, strategic roadmap, and national engagement plan would be released later.
The statement read, “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 recognized 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.”
Speaking after his emergence, Abbas described the development as the beginning of a new political era in Nigeria, adding that his administration would prioritize the use of artificial intelligence in solving national challenges.
He said, “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.”
He added that his emergence marked the start of what he described as a renewed national direction.
He said, “A new movement, a new direction, a new Nigeria is set.”
Earlier in his remarks at the opening of the convention, the National Chairman of the ADP, Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, commended party members for their loyalty and commitment, noting that their efforts had sustained the party.
He said, “Your sacrifice, patience and loyalty have kept the party alive, united and focused.
“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.”
Sani further stressed the party’s commitment to inclusive governance and democratic discipline within its internal structure.
He said, “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.”
