Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rejected reports that he intends to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of another aspirant.
Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, in a statement on Thursday, said the claims were a misrepresentation of the former vice president’s recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service.
Ibe noted that a review of the interview’s video and transcripts, both in Hausa and in English, showed Atiku never stated, suggested, or implied that he would step down for anyone.
“What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective 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,” the statement read.
The adviser criticised the reports, saying interpretative journalism should not be stretched “to the point of mischief.”
Atiku had told BBC Hausa that he would support and mentor a younger candidate if such a person contested against him and won his party’s presidential ticket.
“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,” Atiku was quoted as saying.
The clarification comes as political activity builds toward the 2027 general elections, with Atiku expected to remain a key player in the opposition.