Atiku Abubakar Dismisses Claims He May Withdraw from 2027 Presidential Race

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has refuted recent media reports suggesting he may not participate in the 2027 presidential election.

Contrary to the speculation, Atiku reaffirmed his intention to contest for Nigeria’s highest office, describing the reports as inaccurate and misleading.

The clarification follows comments made by Professor Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, who represented Atiku at an event in Lagos over the weekend where several prominent politicians defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Olateju had quoted Atiku as saying that his primary concern was building a better Nigeria, a remark that was widely interpreted as a signal he might be stepping back from his presidential ambitions.

Olateju was quoted as saying:
“Atiku Abubakar’s mission is to create a better Nigeria. His focus isn’t solely on becoming president but on forming a government that truly serves the people. That’s why many of us support him — not because he must occupy Aso Rock at all costs.”

However, in a statement released Sunday night by Professor Tunde Olusunle, a former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Atiku during the 2023 campaign, the former Vice President clarified that he had not authorized Olateju’s remarks.

Olusunle said he spoke directly with Atiku, who was in the United Arab Emirates at the time, and the former VP made it clear that no such statement was discussed or approved beforehand.

“I did not issue that statement,” Atiku was quoted as saying.
“When people represent me at events, we usually align on the key messages ahead of time. In this case, there was no prior discussion with Prof. Olateju. He was not speaking on my behalf.”

Atiku went on to confirm his commitment to running in the 2027 presidential election, citing the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from its current state of crisis.

“I will contest in 2027. Nigeria must be pulled back from the brink. The worsening poverty, suffering, corruption, and erosion of values are alarming. I am committed to leading a national effort to rebuild and restore our country,” he said.

According to Olusunle’s statement, Atiku also emphasized that the ADC coalition he is championing is a vehicle for mobilizing widespread support for national transformation. While acknowledging that the party is relatively new, he expressed confidence in its long-term impact.

“The ADC is spearheading a grassroots movement that will surprise many. We are working to disrupt the existing political order in a way that will astonish those who doubt us,” Atiku reportedly said.