Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has denied reports claiming he plans to step down for another candidate in the 2027 presidential election.In a statement on Thursday, his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, dismissed the report, which was linked to an interview Atiku granted to the BBC Hausa Service. He described the interpretation circulating in the media as inaccurate and misleading.
“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,” Ibe said.
According to him, Atiku only emphasised that young people and other aspirants are free to contest, and that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would gladly support the person. He criticised sections of the media for what he called mischief, stressing that “stretching interpretation to the point of misrepresentation must not be encouraged.”
Atiku, who is running for president in 2027 under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is expected to face stiff opposition from Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation. The ADC, a coalition of political figures, may also feature other candidates, including Peter Obi, who has yet to declare his political platform.
There is also speculation around former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was recently seen visiting ADC National Chairman David Mark, a move observers link to pre-declaration consultations.
Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC National Publicity Secretary, said the party has not yet decided on zoning for the presidential ticket, noting that it would first attempt a consensus arrangement but will hold primaries if necessary.
