2027: Atiku Defies Poll, Stands Firm Against Younger Aspirants

Atiku Abubakar has dismissed claims of his possible withdrawal from the 2027 presidential poll in favour of a younger aspirant saying that he will only leave the race if such a younger person defeats him in a competitive primary.

The clarification by Atiku’s media aide, Mazi Paul Ibe followed reports in Nigerian news platforms that he would quit the race if he were to see an acceptable younger aspirant. Atiku is 78 and will be 79 next month.

Following the report, GWG.ng had conducted a snap poll with 100% of respondents asking on its WhatsApp channel if there were any acceptable younger aspirants. As at Thursday evening GWG.ng reports that there was a 100% response that there were acceptable younger aspirants.

Responding to the reports that he could quit the race, Atiku through his media aide, said:

“It has become necessary to clarify certain misrepresentations arising from the reportage of an interview granted by His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, to the BBC Hausa Service by some sections of the media.

“After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview – in the original Hausa and the 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.

“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.

“While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged.

“For the records, therefore, the insinuations attributed to the Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said.”

Details on the GWG.ng poll can be viewed at:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va9ev4l7IUYXIWS8ZU0h

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