Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting that he intends to step down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections, labeling such claims as a misrepresentation of his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku clarified that a careful review of the interview’s video and transcripts shows he never “said, suggested, or implied” that he would step down for anyone.
The statement read that 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.”
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Ibe clarified Atiku’s actual position:“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 warned against sensational reporting, saying that while “interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged.”
The statement concluded by setting the record straight: “For the record, therefore, the insinuations attributed to Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said.”
The denial follows earlier reports that Atiku said he would withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if a younger aspirant defeats him to clinch the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket.
Atiku was quoted as previously saying: “If I run for office, and a young man defeats me, I will accept that. The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women.”
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