Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting he may opt out of the 2027 presidential race, insisting that he remains firmly in the contest.
The speculation arose after Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo—who represented Atiku at a political defection event in Lagos over the weekend—was quoted as saying the former Vice President’s focus was not on occupying Aso Rock “at all costs.”
However, in a phone conversation with Prof. Tunde Olusunle, his former media aide, Atiku clarified that the remarks did not represent his position. He stressed that Olateju had not consulted with him before making the statement.
“I did not issue that statement,” Atiku said. “I will run in 2027. Nigeria needs to be decisively rescued from the intensive care unit it has been consigned. The level of poverty, pain, anguish, deceit, thievery, and lack of accountability is unacceptable. I will be offering myself to lead the reclamation and reconstruction of our traumatised homeland.”
Atiku further explained that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition he is working with will galvanise mass support ahead of 2027. He dismissed the party’s modest performance in recent bye-elections, saying it was unrealistic to expect a newly adopted platform to cause major upsets so soon.
“ADC is leading a potent mass movement which will shock the world. We will upstage the status quo in a way that will leave doubters dumbstruck,” he declared.
