The Action Democratic Party, ADP, has officially chosen Ambassador Aliyu Bin Abbas as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, positioning him as the party’s standard-bearer in what it described as a mission to redefine Nigeria’s political future through youthful leadership, innovation, and inclusive governance.
Abbas, who previously served as a political aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and is also the founder of the National Youth Alliance (NYA), secured the party’s presidential ticket during the ADP National Convention held in Abuja on Saturday.
The outcome of the convention was announced in the early hours of the morning, around 5:30 a.m., sparking celebrations among party members, delegates, and supporters gathered at the venue. The announcement marked a significant milestone for the party as it prepares to challenge major political forces in the 2027 presidential race.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Okpani Jacob Dickson, the campaign clarified that Abbas’ presidential ambition is entirely independent and should not be linked to any former political association.
The statement emphasized that although Abbas once worked closely with Atiku Abubakar, who is currently the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, that political relationship ended more than two years ago following a well-known divergence in political direction.
According to the statement, both political figures eventually pursued separate paths, with growing public sentiment encouraging Abbas to establish his own political identity and champion the interests of Nigeria’s younger generation.
The campaign further stressed that his candidacy is not connected to any established political bloc or former political structure. Rather, it is being presented as a fresh movement designed to provide a platform for Nigerians seeking a new generation of leadership capable of addressing contemporary challenges without the influence of traditional political interests.
The statement noted that Abbas’ presidential bid represents an independent political project aimed at responding to the aspirations of millions of young Nigerians who desire leadership focused on innovation, accountability, and national transformation.
Speaking after being declared the party’s presidential candidate, Abbas described his emergence as a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey and expressed optimism about the country’s future.
He stated that his candidacy goes beyond personal political success and symbolizes the arrival of a new leadership generation determined to pursue national renewal, economic advancement, inclusive governance, and greater opportunities for young people.
According to Abbas, Nigeria is currently at a critical stage in its development, making it necessary for citizens across ethnic, religious, and political divides to unite around a common vision capable of restoring hope and accelerating national progress.
He said his campaign would focus on building a nation founded on justice, prosperity, unity, and sustainable development while encouraging citizens to participate actively in shaping the country’s future.
One of the key highlights of his remarks was his commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to address some of Nigeria’s longstanding developmental challenges.
Abbas expressed confidence that technology-driven governance could help improve public service delivery, create economic opportunities, enhance transparency, and strengthen institutions across various sectors of the economy.
He described his emergence as the beginning of a broader movement aimed at creating a stronger, more prosperous, and more united Nigeria.
According to him, the country is entering a new political era that prioritizes innovation, youthful participation, and practical solutions to national problems.
Earlier during the convention, ADP National Chairman Yabagi Yusuf Sani commended party members, supporters, delegates, and officials for their commitment and loyalty to the party over the years.
Sani acknowledged the sacrifices made by members in sustaining the party and maintaining its unity despite the challenges facing Nigeria’s political environment.
He argued that the ADP has continued to present itself as a viable alternative for Nigerians searching for credible leadership amid growing concerns over economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and declining public confidence in governance.
According to him, the country requires a different style of leadership, one rooted in service, accountability, competence, and compassion rather than personal enrichment and political domination.
Sani stated that Nigeria’s current circumstances demand leaders who recognize public office as a responsibility entrusted to them by citizens rather than a platform for personal gain.
He maintained that the ADP remains committed to promoting inclusive governance, national unity, and sustainable development while offering Nigerians a political platform built on service and transparency.
The party chairman further emphasized the importance of strengthening democratic values within political parties, arguing that political organizations must demonstrate transparency and fairness internally if they hope to gain the trust of the electorate.
He noted that democracy cannot flourish nationally unless political parties themselves adhere to democratic principles in their internal processes and decision-making structures.
Sani reiterated the party’s vision of creating a Nigeria where citizens can live peacefully, pursue economic opportunities with dignity, and look forward to a brighter future.
He added that the ADP remains committed to empowering young people, promoting women’s participation in governance, supporting farmers and workers, encouraging entrepreneurship, and ensuring that communities across the country benefit from equitable development.
The convention concluded with party leaders expressing confidence that Abbas’ candidacy would provide Nigerians with a fresh political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
