Atiku Refutes Reports of Stepping Down Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied reports suggesting that he plans to step down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Earlier reports had quoted Atiku as saying he would withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if defeated by a younger aspirant in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary. However, his camp has now made it clear that such insinuations were inaccurate and misleading.

In response to the reports, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, in a statement issued on Thursday described the claims as a distortion of his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service, stressing that at no point did he say or imply that he would withdraw from the race.

“After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview – in the original Hausa and the English translation – it is evident that at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone,” the statement read.

Ibe clarified that Atiku only emphasized that young Nigerians and other aspirants are free to contest for the presidency, and that if a younger candidate were to emerge through a transparent process, he would readily support such a candidate.

“While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged,” he added.

The former vice president, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ADC, reiterated his commitment to strengthening the opposition and mentoring the next generation of leaders.