Atiku Denies Reports He Plans To Step Down For Another Presidential Aspirant

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting he intends to step down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the claims as a misrepresentation of his comments.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku clarified that his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service had been wrongly interpreted. He maintained that at no point did he “expressly state, suggest, or imply” that he would withdraw his candidacy for anyone.

According to Ibe, Atiku only reiterated that young Nigerians and other aspirants are free to join the contest, adding that he would support any youthful candidate who emerged through a competitive primary. “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 any hesitation,” the statement noted.

The clarification comes amid speculation that the former PDP presidential candidate, who has contested Nigeria’s presidency six times since 1993, may be considering stepping aside for a younger aspirant. Ibe, however, faulted sections of the media for what he described as mischief in their reporting.

Atiku, who served as Vice President between 1999 and 2007 under Olusegun Obasanjo, has remained a recurring figure in Nigeria’s presidential races, most recently contesting under the PDP in 2019 and 2023. His remarks come at a time when calls for generational leadership are gaining momentum, with younger politicians pushing for new faces in national politics.

His camp maintains that his BBC Hausa comments should not be misconstrued as a withdrawal signal, stressing that while he is open to supporting younger candidates who emerge through fair party primaries, he has not stepped aside for anyone.