FORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting that he intends to step down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that such claims were based on a distortion of his recent BBC Hausa interview.
In a statement released on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe made available to News Point Nigeria, Atiku described the reports as misleading and mischievous, stressing that at no point during the interview did he suggest, imply, or declare that he was stepping down for anyone.
According to Ibe, a careful review of both the video footage and transcripts of the BBC Hausa interview in the original Hausa language and the English translation confirmed that the former Vice President’s words were misinterpreted.
“At no point did the Waziri Adamawa expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone,” the statement read.
“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 accused some sections of the media of engaging in “interpretative journalism stretched to the point of mischief,” warning that such practice undermines accurate reporting and public trust.
During the BBC Hausa interview, Atiku noted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party he recently joined, prioritises youth and women.
He added that while he has not made a definitive decision on whether to contest, he would fully support any young candidate who secures the party’s ticket through a fair process.
“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 had said.
A political commentator, Dan Sani Magaji told News Point Nigeria that while his statement highlighted inclusivity and mentorship, some reports twisted it into an indication that the former Vice President was preparing to withdraw from the 2027 race.
Atiku’s clarification comes amid ongoing debate about his political future following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC. He had accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of infiltrating the PDP with moles and frustrating opposition unity.
“The APC government in power has decided to use some party leaders to frustrate efforts of having a strong opposition that could challenge the government,” he said during the interview.
While clarifying the misreport, Atiku’s camp reiterated that the 2027 race remains open, and the former Vice President has not foreclosed the possibility of contesting.
“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,” Ibe emphasised.