Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting he intends to step aside for a younger politician ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku, who has already declared interest in contesting the presidency again, clarified his position following media interpretations of his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, Atiku said his words had been misrepresented.
He explained that a review of both the original Hausa interview and its English translation showed that he never indicated any intention to withdraw from the race.
“What His Excellency said was very clear, that young Nigerians and other aspirants are free to join the contest,” the statement read.
“He also stated that if a young candidate emerged through a transparent and competitive primary, he would have no hesitation in supporting such a person.”
Atiku, who contested the 2023 elections under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before leaving the party, is now among the opposition leaders working under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a common platform to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Others in the coalition include former governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers and Peter Obi of Anambra.
