By Franklin Adole
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that the 2027 presidential election will be his final attempt at Nigeria’s highest office, even as he pledged to support any candidate who emerges from the presidential primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku, who will be about 80 years old by the time of the 2027 poll, made the disclosure during an interview on ARISE Television, where he addressed concerns over his long-standing presidential ambition and advancing age.
“The 2027 election will be my last outing,” he said, reaffirming a political journey that dates back to his first presidential bid in 1992.
Responding to questions about why Nigerians should entrust him with leadership after multiple unsuccessful attempts, Atiku argued that Nigeria’s challenges stem largely from a deficit of experienced leadership at the highest level of government.
He drew a comparison between his own political background and that of incumbent President Bola Tinubu, insisting that his experience as a former vice president gives him a distinct advantage in tackling the country’s problems.
According to him, the absence of capable and seasoned leadership at the centre has contributed to poor governance outcomes across several states, many of which, he said, are led by relatively young but inexperienced politicians.
“There is a clear and stark difference. You see a number of states being headed by relatively young people and failing woefully simply because at the apex, they do not have a capable and experienced president to guide them,” he said.
Atiku also referenced the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, attributing some of the challenges faced during that period to what he described as inexperience at the top. However, he emphasised the need to invest in leadership training for younger Nigerians, noting that the country’s future depends on grooming a new generation of competent leaders.
On the evolving opposition coalition rallying around the ADC, Atiku made it clear that while he remains a contender, he is committed to party unity and collective decision-making.
He stated that the preferred approach within the coalition is to arrive at a consensus candidate. However, if consensus proves impossible, the party would conduct a direct primary, the outcome of which he said he would fully respect.
“It’s not the issue of stepping aside, rather would I support? In the coalition, the first option would be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t emerge, then we go for a direct primary and I will support anybody who emerges,” he said.
Pressed further on whether he would be willing to shelve his ambition in favour of a more popular candidate, including former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, Atiku responded unequivocally.
“I will step aside for any winner,” he stated, adding, “Of course, if he is a contender, why not.”