Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed media reports suggesting he intends to step down for another presidential aspirant in the 2027 elections, insisting that his recent comments in a BBC Hausa Service interview were misinterpreted.
In a statement released on Thursday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku clarified that he never at any point “expressly stated, suggested, or implied” that he would withdraw from the race in favor of another contender.
“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,” Ibe said.
The statement explained that Atiku was emphasizing that young Nigerians and other prospective aspirants are free to join the presidential contest. He added that he would support any young candidate who emerges through a competitive primary process.
“What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest. He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without hesitation,” the statement noted.
This clarification comes amid widespread speculation that Atiku—who has contested Nigeria’s presidency six times since 1993—might be preparing to withdraw his bid in favor of a younger aspirant.
Paul Ibe criticized some media outlets for misrepresenting the interview, accusing them of “mischief” in their reporting. “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.
Atiku, who served as Vice President under Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, has contested for the presidency multiple times on various party platforms, most recently under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 and 2023.
His recent remarks come at a time when debates over generational leadership and political succession dominate Nigeria’s political discourse, with many younger politicians calling for a shift away from longstanding figures.
Atiku’s camp maintains that his BBC Hausa interview should not be seen as a signal of withdrawal. He remains open to supporting younger candidates emerging fairly through party primaries but has not stepped aside for anyone.
