2027: ATIKU DENIES PLAN TO STEP DOWN FOR ANYONE

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By Sunmisola Shodayo

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has refuted claims indicating that he plans to withdraw in favor of another presidential contender in advance of the 2027 elections.

In a statement released on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku characterized such assertions as a misrepresentation of his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service.

Ibe clarified that a meticulous examination of both the video and transcripts of the interview revealed that Atiku never articulated, suggested, or implied any intention to step aside for anyone.

The statement asserts, “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.

“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.

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“While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged.

“For the record, therefore, the insinuations attributed to Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said.”

Earlier media reports suggested that Atiku, in an interview with BBC Hausa, mentioned he would withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if a younger contestant were to defeat him and secure the African Democratic Congress presidential nomination.

The former vice president also remarked that he would back and mentor such a candidate.

“If I run for office, and a young man defeats me, I will accept that. The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women,” he stated.