Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting he plans to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favor of another candidate.
In a statement released Thursday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the claims as a gross misrepresentation of his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service. According to Ibe, a thorough review of the interview in both Hausa and English showed that “at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone.”
“What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest,” Ibe explained. “He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without any hesitation. Stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged.”
Atiku, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) citing irreconcilable differences, has since aligned himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The opposition party is fast becoming the rallying platform for heavyweight politicians seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
The former Vice President, who served under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, emphasized that his departure from the PDP was informed by what he described as the party’s deviation from its founding principles.
Political watchers say Atiku’s reaffirmation signals his continued determination to remain a central figure in the opposition’s strategy for the 2027 elections, despite growing calls for a younger candidate to emerge.