Atiku Abubakar has not declared his 2027 presidential ambition, with his camp clarifying that his BBC Hausa interview was misrepresented.
Speculation over Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential ambition deepened this week after reports claimed he had pledged support for a younger candidate. However, his spokesman, Paul Ibe, dismissed the claims, stressing that the former vice president has not ruled himself out of the race.
In a BBC Hausa interview, Atiku had said it was “not yet time” to declare, adding, “If a younger candidate defeats me, I will concede and wholeheartedly support and guide him.” But Ibe clarified that the comment was misrepresented. “At no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or imply that he intends to step down for anyone,” he said.
According to Ibe, Atiku is focused on strengthening the African Democratic Congress coalition before making any announcement. He added that Nigerians are more concerned with credible leadership than zoning. “All the average Nigerian wants is good leadership. Anyone who feels popular should go to the field with Atiku and test that popularity,” he said.