In a swift and resolute response to a media report that surfaced on Thursday, October 2, 2025, former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has categorically denied allegations suggesting he plans to abandon his presidential ambition for the 2027 general elections to endorse another candidate. The report, which sparked widespread speculation, claimed that Atiku had expressed readiness to step aside in favor of a "younger, vibrant, and more acceptable candidate" under the banner of the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC) during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. However, Atiku, through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, has dismissed these claims as a gross misrepresentation of his statements, urging media outlets to exercise caution and accuracy in their reporting.
The controversy originated from a news report that quickly gained traction across various platforms, suggesting that Atiku, a long-standing figure in Nigerian politics and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 and 2023 elections, was prepared to forgo his ambition to contest in 2027. The report specifically alleged that during his BBC Hausa Service interview, Atiku indicated his willingness to support a younger candidate who could emerge through the ADC, a political party reportedly backed by a coalition of political actors seeking an alternative to Nigeria’s dominant parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP.
In a detailed statement issued on Thursday, Paul Ibe, Atiku’s Media Adviser, clarified that the former Vice President’s comments during the interview were deliberately misconstrued. Ibe emphasized that a meticulous review of both the video footage and the transcript of the interview—available in both the original Hausa language and its English translation—revealed no instance where Atiku “expressly state[d], suggest[ed], or even implie[d]” that he intended to step down from the presidential race or endorse another candidate. Instead, Atiku’s remarks were centered on fostering inclusivity and encouraging political participation, particularly among younger Nigerians.
According to Ibe, Atiku’s actual statements during the BBC Hausa Service interview were clear and unambiguous. The former Vice President reportedly affirmed his belief in democratic competition, stating that young people and other prospective presidential aspirants are free to participate in the electoral process. He further noted that should a young candidate emerge victorious through a transparent and competitive primary process, he would “readily support such a candidate without any hesitation.” This, Ibe argued, was a far cry from the narrative peddled by the media report, which suggested that Atiku had definitively decided to abandon his presidential bid.
The statement from Atiku’s camp underscores his commitment to democratic principles and his openness to supporting credible candidates, particularly from younger generations, provided they emerge through a fair and competitive process. However, it firmly rejects the notion that Atiku has made any concrete decision to step aside or align with the ADC or any other political platform for the 2027 elections. The former Vice President’s team described the media report as a product of “misinterpretive journalism,” warning that such inaccuracies could mislead the public and distort the political discourse.
Atiku Abubakar, often referred to as the Waziri Adamawa, has been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape for decades. As a founding member of the PDP, he served as Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo. Since then, he has remained a formidable force in Nigerian politics, consistently vying for the presidency. His most recent attempt was in 2023, when he ran as the PDP’s candidate against President Bola Tinubu of the APC and Peter Obi of the Labour Party. Despite his loss in that election, Atiku has continued to be a vocal advocate for political reform and has maintained a strong support base, particularly in northern Nigeria.
The claim that Atiku might step down in 2027 has significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape, given his influence and the PDP’s position as one of the country’s major opposition parties. The suggestion that he could align with the ADC, a relatively smaller party, also raised eyebrows, as it hinted at a potential realignment of political forces ahead of the next election cycle. The ADC, which has positioned itself as a platform for progressive and coalition-driven politics, has been gaining attention as a possible alternative for voters disillusioned with the APC and PDP. However, Atiku’s denial of these claims puts to rest speculations about his immediate plans to shift allegiances or abandon his presidential aspirations.
The controversy surrounding the BBC Hausa Service interview highlights the challenges of political reporting in Nigeria, where misinterpretations or sensationalized narratives can quickly shape public perception. Atiku’s team has called for greater responsibility in journalism, urging media outlets to verify information and avoid spreading unverified claims. The statement from Paul Ibe specifically cautioned against “misinterpretive journalism,” noting that the insinuations attributed to Atiku were not only inaccurate but also potentially damaging to his reputation and the broader political discourse.
This incident is not the first time Atiku has had to address media misrepresentations. Throughout his political career, he has often found himself at the center of controversies fueled by speculative or misleading reports. His team’s swift response to this particular issue demonstrates a proactive approach to managing his public image and ensuring that his positions are accurately represented. By releasing a detailed statement and referencing the original interview materials, Atiku’s camp aims to set the record straight and prevent further misinterpretation.
Looking ahead to 2027, Atiku’s political plans remain a subject of intense speculation. At 80 years old by the time of the next election, questions about his age and ability to mount another presidential campaign have been raised by political analysts and opponents alike. However, Atiku has consistently maintained that his experience, vision, and commitment to Nigeria’s development make him a viable candidate. His openness to supporting younger candidates, as expressed in the BBC Hausa interview, could also be seen as a strategic move to appeal to a broader demographic and position himself as a mentor-like figure within the political space.
The broader context of the 2027 elections adds further significance to Atiku’s clarification. Nigeria’s political landscape is undergoing a period of flux, with growing calls for generational change, economic reform, and greater accountability in governance. The emergence of figures like Peter Obi, who garnered significant youth support in 2023, has intensified discussions about the role of younger leaders in shaping the country’s future. Atiku’s comments about supporting a young candidate who emerges through a competitive process could be interpreted as an acknowledgment of these dynamics, even as he maintains his own ambition to lead.
In conclusion, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s firm denial of claims that he intends to step down from the 2027 presidential race reaffirms his determination to remain a key player in Nigeria’s political arena. By addressing the misrepresentation of his BBC Hausa Service interview, Atiku has sought to clarify his stance and dispel rumors that could undermine his political strategy. His call for responsible journalism serves as a reminder of the media’s role in shaping public discourse, particularly in a politically charged environment. As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 elections, Atiku’s actions and statements will continue to be closely scrutinized, with his supporters and detractors alike watching for any signs of his next move. Whether he ultimately decides to contest or support another candidate, Atiku’s influence on Nigeria’s political trajectory is unlikely to wane anytime soon.