In a statement issued on Thursday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku said he never at any point “expressly stated, suggested, or implied” that he would step aside for another contender in the 2027 elections.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed media reports that he plans to step down for another presidential aspirant, insisting his recent comments in a BBC Hausa Service interview were misinterpreted.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku said he never at any point “expressly stated, suggested, or implied” that he would step aside for another contender in the 2027 elections.
“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 stated.
According to him, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) only emphasised that young Nigerians and other prospective aspirants are free to join the contest, adding that he would support any young candidate who emerged through a competitive primary process.
“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,” the statement noted.
The clarification followed widespread speculation that Atiku, who has contested Nigeria’s presidency six times since 1993, might be preparing to withdraw his bid in favour of a younger aspirant.
Ibe, however, faulted the way some outlets reported the interview, accusing them of mischief.
“While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged,” he said.
Atiku served as Vice President under Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007 and has since contested for the presidency on several party platforms, most recently in 2019 and 2023 under the platform of PDP.
His comments about aspirants come at a time when debates over generational leadership and political succession dominate Nigeria’s political space, with many younger politicians calling for a shift away from long-standing figures.
Atiku’s camp maintains that his BBC Hausa interview should not be misconstrued as a withdrawal signal, stressing that his position remains consistent.
He said he was open to supporting younger candidates if they emerge fairly through party primaries, but he had not stepped aside for anyone.
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