Atiku Denies Stepping Down for Younger Candidate in 2027 Race

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports that he plans to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of a younger aspirant.
His spokesman, Paul Ibe, clarified on Thursday that Atiku’s remarks in a BBC Hausa Service interview were misrepresented.
“After reviewing both the video and transcripts of the interview, it is clear that at no point did the former Vice President state or imply he would step down for anyone,” Ibe said.
He explained that Atiku merely reiterated that younger politicians and other aspirants are free to contest the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary. According to him, Atiku only noted that he would support any candidate—young or old—who legitimately wins the party ticket.
While cautioning against what he called “mischievous interpretations,” Ibe stressed that reports suggesting Atiku’s withdrawal “are inaccurate and do not reflect his actual words.”
Atiku is widely expected to seek the ADC presidential ticket to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.