Former presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamu Garba, has stepped back from active politics to concentrate on his technology business.
Garba announced the decision on Tuesday in a statement shared on his X handle, explaining that the demands of his corporate responsibilities had made it difficult for him to maintain a significant political presence.
He said he had reached the decision after “careful reflection” and would now devote himself fully to his roles at IPI Group Limited.
“To my friends, associates, party leaders, supporters and the general public, after careful reflection, I write to formally announce my decision to scale down all politically related activities and to focus exclusively on my responsibilities as Executive Chairman of IPI Group Limited and Chief Platform Architect of the Group and all its subsidiaries,” Garba said.
According to him, his responsibilities within the company require a level of commitment that could not be effectively combined with extensive political engagement.
He said the work demanded his “sustained personal attention, technical depth and a presence that cannot be delegated.”
“In all honesty, they cannot be carried alongside heavy political participation without one or the other suffering.
“I have therefore chosen to give my full and exclusive attention to the development of our AI-First enterprise, and to the work of strengthening our community and our society through technology, for the greater good of all, and for the benefit of the future of our country and our continent,” the former presidential aspirant said.
Garba also expressed appreciation to those who supported his political activities over the years.
“I am deeply grateful for the interest, the invitations and the collective support I have received throughout my political journey over the past nine years. That season shaped me, and I do not take lightly the confidence that was placed in me.”
His withdrawal marks a change from his previous political ambitions, which saw him emerge as a prominent young voice within the APC.
Garba first declared his intention to contest the 2019 presidential election on the APC platform, campaigning on issues including structural reforms, youth participation and national integration.
He remained in the race for the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 general elections but later withdrew from the contest in 2022.
At the time, he objected to the N100 million cost of the APC’s expression-of-interest and nomination forms, arguing that the amount could turn politics into a preserve of wealthy individuals and shut out younger aspirants.
His campaign had reportedly received about N83.2 million in donations, which he said would be refunded to contributors.
Despite withdrawing from the presidential contest, Garba continued to maintain a public association with the APC in subsequent years.
His latest announcement, however, signals a decision to suspend his active political involvement and channel his efforts towards technology and the development of his AI-focused enterprise.
