I Am in the Race; Not Stepping Down, Atiku Declares

…Former VP Denies Plans To Step Down From 2027 Presidential Race
…Says BBC Hausa Interview ‘Mischievously Twisted’

By John Paul

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied reports suggesting he plans to step down from the 2027 presidential race, describing such claims as “inaccurate” and “mischievous misrepresentations” of his recent BBC Hausa interview.

The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, who is now a key figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, with some media reports hinting at possible plans to yield ground to another contender.

But in a statement released Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku insisted he never said he would relinquish his ambition for anyone. Instead, he reiterated that he welcomes younger aspirants into the race and would gladly support any that emerged victorious through a competitive primary process.

“It has become necessary to clarify certain misrepresentations arising from the reportage of an interview granted by His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, to the BBC Hausa Service by some sections of the media,” Ibe said.

“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.”

According to him, “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 hesitation.”

Ibe warned against what he called “interpretative journalism stretched to the point of mischief,” stressing that such distortions undermine public trust in the media.

The denial comes as opposition realignments continue to take shape ahead of 2027. Atiku’s defection to the ADC in August and his visible role in forging a broader coalition of parties has already repositioned him as one of the most consequential figures in the anti-APC bloc.

Although there have been reports linking other political heavyweights in the coalition with the presidency, Atiku’s firm dismissal of any withdrawal speculation sends a clear message to both allies and rivals: the Waziri Adamawa is in the race to stay.

Political observers note that while Atiku’s comment about supporting a younger candidate if they win fairly at the primaries was a nod to inclusivity, it was never an abdication of his own ambition.

“The former Vice President is too experienced to casually abandon a contest he has spent years preparing for,” said a source close to the former Vice President last night. “What he’s signaling is openness to internal democracy within the opposition — but not a surrender the way it has been reflected by some media.”

As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 polls, Thursday’s clarification may settle the rumours for now. But it also underscores the delicate balancing act facing opposition leaders as they navigate coalition building, generational demands, and their own political survival.

From Atiku for now , the message is clear: he remains a contender, not a kingmaker.