Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has debunked speculations that he plans to step down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections.
Atiku, who recently pitched his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said media reports suggesting he had hinted at withdrawing from the race were a distortion of his remarks during a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, the Waziri Adamawa described the reports as “inaccurate” and a deliberate misrepresentation of his words.
“After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview – in the original Hausa and 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,” the statement read.
Ibe clarified that what Atiku said was that young Nigerians and other aspirants were free to contest, adding that if a younger candidate were to defeat him in a competitive primary, he would readily support such a person.
“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,” Ibe added.
The statement further faulted what it described as “interpretative journalism stretched to the point of mischief,” warning that such practices should not be encouraged.
Earlier reports had quoted Atiku as saying during the BBC Hausa interview: “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.”
Atiku, however, maintained that the remarks only underscored his commitment to mentoring younger politicians and supporting inclusivity, not an intention to step aside for any aspirant.
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