I’m ready to abandon my presidential ambition and support younger candidate – Atiku

-TOWARDS 2027-

Atiku Abubakar Signals Readiness to Step Aside for Younger Presidential Candidate in 2027

In a significant political development ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared his willingness to abandon his presidential ambition in favor of a younger, vibrant, and widely accepted candidate.

This revelation came during an interview with BBC Hausa Service, where Atiku emphasized that his interest in the upcoming race is not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to offer Nigerians a credible alternative to the current leadership.

Atiku, a prominent figure within the opposition coalition African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated unequivocally that if a younger candidate emerges under the ADC platform, one who is dynamic and enjoys broad national support, he would gladly step aside. He stressed that his participation in the race should not be seen as a barrier to others, particularly younger aspirants, from contesting. “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,” he affirmed.

The former Vice President outlined three key conditions under which he would relinquish his ambition: the candidate must be younger and more energetic than himself, must emerge under the ADC platform, and must be broadly accepted by Nigerians. These criteria, he noted, are essential to ensure that the party presents a formidable and transformative option to the electorate.

Atiku also took the opportunity to dispel rumors suggesting desperation for the presidency. He categorically denied such claims, asserting that his primary motivation is to rescue Nigeria from what he described as prolonged mismanagement by entrenched political interests. “I am not desperate for the presidency. I am only interested in rescuing Nigeria from those who have held it hostage,” he said.

Encouraging youth participation in politics, Atiku called on younger Nigerians to become actively involved in shaping the nation’s future. He pledged his full and unreserved support to any younger candidate who meets the outlined conditions and is chosen to represent the ADC in the presidential race.

This statement marks a potential turning point in Nigeria’s political landscape, as it opens the door for generational change within the opposition and signals a shift toward inclusive leadership. 

Whether a younger candidate will rise to meet Atiku’s challenge remains to be seen, but the former Vice President’s declaration has already stirred conversations about succession, youth empowerment, and the future of Nigerian democracy.