₦airaland Forum

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emphatically denied any suggestion that he plans to step down for another candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The denial comes in response to media reports that allegedly misinterpreted an interview he granted in Hausa, creating a false narrative about his political intentions.

Dependable NG reports that Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, issued a statement on Thursday to clarify the situation. Ibe stated that a “thorough review of both the video and transcripts” of the interview with BBC Hausa Service confirmed that at “no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone.”

Ibe insisted that the core of Atiku’s comments was an encouragement for democratic participation. “What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest,” Ibe clarified. He added that the Waziri Adamawa 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 aide cautioned against stretching journalistic interpretation “to the point of mischief,” maintaining that the insinuations attributed to Atiku “are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said.”

The controversy arises as Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), prepares to run on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Atiku formally resigned his membership from the PDP in July, citing irreconcilable differences and a divergence from the party’s foundational principles. Atiku was a key figure in the PDP, serving as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 and twice running as the party’s presidential flagbearer in 2019 and 2023.

The ADC, which Atiku has joined, is increasingly being positioned as a unified rallying point for opposition heavyweights determined to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

Enddy50ty:
I always knew this guy cannot be trusted with whatever comes out of his mouth

YesDaddyTill203:
Let them all go to a primary; whoever wins then can contest.

Why should he step down for anyone?

No free lunch for anyone; if you want to lead, then you need to work for it.
Go out and test your popularity/acceptance within your party before coming to contest with other candidates.