Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has clarified that he never said he would step down for a younger person in the 2027 presidential race.
According to his media adviser, Paul Ibe, in a statement on Thursday, some sections of the media misrepresented his statements from an interview with the BBC Hausa Service.
Atiku emphasised that young people and other prospective candidates are free to join the contest, and he would support a young candidate who emerges through a competitive primary.
The statement reads partly, “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.”
Atiku’s media team maintained that any claims about him stepping down are inaccurate and part of propaganda.
“While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged,” Atiku added.
Earlier, reports emerged that Atiku, during activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday, shelved his presidential ambition.
According to the viral reports, the former Vice President, during an interview with BBC Hausa Service, explained that his interest in the 2027 race is not about personal ambition, but about providing a credible alternative to rescue the country from its current state.
The reports said Atiku urged younger Nigerians to actively participate in politics, assuring them of his full backing if they choose to run for the highest office.
