Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stirred political excitement in Jalingo on Tuesday as he appeared to chart a new direction in his long-running political journey. Though the occasion was the commissioning of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) state secretariat, the atmosphere suggested a deeper shift — one that placed Atiku under a new political banner.
Gatekeepers News reports that supporters from Adamawa, Bauchi, Kano and other states trooped into the Taraba capital, their presence signalling that his visit was far from ordinary. To many observers, Atiku’s appearance felt like the opening of a new political chapter, one in which the former PDP presidential candidate appeared to edge away from his long-held party platform.
Despite not formally exiting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku openly praised the ADC, describing it as the “only platform” capable of rescuing Nigerians from worsening hardship. His speech carried both urgency and discontent as he criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the government of aggravating insecurity and economic suffering.
“It is unfortunate that the present government deceived you and plunged the country into lack of peace, hunger, poverty, and joblessness,” he told the crowd.
Atiku argued that the ADC offered a credible alternative and a pathway to national recovery. But he also shifted from critique to mobilisation, urging his supporters to secure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Without your voter cards, your determination to change leadership in 2027 will be in vain,” he warned.
His message resonated strongly with an audience longing for political and economic relief.
Taraba ADC chairman, Hassan Adamu, echoed Atiku’s optimism, declaring the party ready for a sweeping shift in the next election cycle.
“In 2027, a new government will be formed, and we will deliver Taraba to ADC and Atiku,” Adamu said confidently.
The event also featured the inauguration of the state transition committee, chaired by Senator Abubakar Tutare with Barrister Haruna Kwetishe as secretary — a sign that the ADC is not only rallying support but also strengthening internal structures ahead of 2027.
Whether Atiku’s embrace of the ADC marks a permanent political realignment or a tactical alliance remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that Nigeria’s deepening economic struggles and growing public frustration have widened the appetite for political alternatives.
Jalingo has now become the stage for what may be the beginning of Atiku’s latest political chapter — one that casts him not merely as a veteran statesman, but as the face of a renewed mission to “save Nigeria.”
The real test will be whether the ADC can convert enthusiastic crowds and bold declarations into a viable national force as the 2027 elections approach.
