Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rejected claims suggesting he plans to step down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued Thursday through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the reports as a misrepresentation of his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service.
Ibe explained that a review of both the video and transcript shows Atiku did not indicate, suggest, or imply any intention to withdraw from the race.
The statement read in part: “After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts, 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.
“What Atiku Abubakar clearly said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest.
READ ALSO: I’m Ready to Drop Presidential Bid, Support Younger Candidate – Atiku
“He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would support such a candidate without hesitation,” the statement reads.
Ibe added that stretching interpretations of Atiku’s remarks to suggest he would withdraw is “misleading and unacceptable.”
Earlier, Atiku had reportedly told BBC Hausa that he would step aside if a younger aspirant won the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, adding that he would support and mentor the candidate.
He stressed that his participation in the 2027 race is not driven by personal ambition but by the need to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative to those currently in power.
However, the former vice president’s office insisted that this was mischaracterized.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
