Nigeria News Today: Atiku Abubakar Denies Reports of Stepping Down in 2027 Presidential Race

The Bureau News reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has firmly denied media reports suggesting he intends to step aside for another candidate in the 2027 presidential race.

Statement from Atiku’s Media Team

In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku said that his remarks during a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service were misrepresented by some sections of the press.

“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,” the statement clarified.

Clarification of Atiku’s Remarks

According to Ibe, Atiku’s actual position was that younger politicians and other aspirants are free to contest for the presidency. He added that if a young candidate were to emerge through a fair and competitive primary, Atiku would support such a candidate without hesitation.

The statement criticized what it described as “stretching interpretation to the point of mischief,” stressing that such misrepresentation is unacceptable in political journalism.

Full Press Release Excerpt

PRESS RELEASE
Reports that Atiku will step down for another is false.
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.

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

Signed:
Paul Ibe
Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar
Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007
Abuja, 02 October 2025

Nigeria News Today: Political Context Ahead of 2027

The Bureau News notes that Atiku, who recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), remains a major figure in opposition politics. With Nigeria News Today following the run-up to 2027, his clarification signals his continued relevance in shaping the opposition’s direction.

Stay connected with The Bureau News for the latest Nigeria News Today and political updates as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections.