Atiku hints at stepping aside for younger candidate in 2027 presidential race

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has signaled that he may withdraw from the 2027 presidential election if a younger and widely acceptable candidate emerges to represent the opposition.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain stressed that his political ambition has never been about personal gain but about ensuring Nigeria’s progress.

According to Atiku, his interest in the 2027 race is rooted in a desire to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative, adding that he would gladly support a younger leader capable of uniting the country and addressing its challenges.

The former VP charged younger Nigerians to actively participate in politics, stressing that he would fully back them if picked to contest for the presidency.

Atiku denied claims that he was desperate for the seat of the president declaring that he was only interested in rescuing Nigeria from the people that have held it hostage.

“My being in the 2027 race does not prevent anyone from contesting. If a vibrant and widely accepted younger candidate emerges, I am willing to step aside,” Atiku said.