Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied claims that he intended to step down for any candidate in the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement released on Thursday, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, attributed the claims to misrepresentation of an interview Abubakar granted to the BBC Hausa Service.
“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.
“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, ” he said.
Ibe explained that a thorough review of the video and transcripts of the interview, both in the original Hausa and English translation, revealed that Abubakar neither stated nor implied that he would step down for anyone.
According to Ibe, Abubakar only emphasised that young people and other prospective presidential aspirants are free to enter the contest.
Ibe added that Abubakar would readily support a young candidate who emerges through a competitive primary, without any hesitation.
He condemned the misrepresentation of Abubakar’s words, describing it as “unacceptable and must not be encouraged.”
Atiku is set to run on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which opposition heavyweights have chosen as their rallying point to take on the ruling APC.
In July, Atiku resigned his membership of the PDP, citing irreconcilable differences and the party’s current trajectory, which he said diverges from its foundational principles.
Abubakar emphasised that young people and other prospective presidential aspirants were free to enter the contest, and he would readily support a young candidate who emerges through a competitive primary.
Atiku is set to run on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 presidential election.
