Atiku Denies Intention To Step Aside From 2027 Presidential Race

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rejected claims that he would step aside for any candidate in the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement released Thursday in Abuja by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku said his comments during an interview with BBC Hausa Service had been misrepresented by some media outlets.

“After reviewing both the video and transcript of the interview, in Hausa and English, it is clear that at no point did the former Vice President indicate, suggest, or imply that he intends to step down for anyone,” the statement said.

It explained that Atiku had emphasized that young aspirants and other prospective candidates are free to contest the election. “He also made it clear that if a young candidate emerges through a competitive primary, he would support that candidate without hesitation,” the statement added.

The press release further criticized misleading reporting, noting that while interpretation is part of journalism, exaggerating statements for sensational effect is unacceptable.