Atiku Declares 2027 Presidential Bid as Final Attempt, Cites Experience Over Age Concerns
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced that the 2027 presidential election will be his final attempt to lead Nigeria, drawing mixed reactions from political observers and citizens.
Speaking during an interview on Prime Time on Arise Television on Wednesday, Atiku said, “The 2027 election will be my last outing,” noting that he would be 80 years old by then. The former vice president, who has contested for the presidency multiple times since 1992, acknowledged concerns about his age but insisted that experience remains critical to effective leadership.
Atiku argued that Nigeria’s core challenge is poor leadership, maintaining that his background as a former vice president and military governor places him in a stronger position to govern compared to incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He criticised what he described as a trend of underperformance among some younger state governors, attributing it to a lack of experienced leadership at the national level. According to him, inexperienced leadership at the top often translates into weak governance across states.
The former vice president also referenced the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, suggesting that leadership challenges during that period were partly due to inexperience.
Despite his criticism of younger leaders, Atiku emphasised the importance of grooming the next generation, calling for structured leadership training for young Nigerians. He stressed that while youth development is vital, competence and experience should not be overlooked in the country’s leadership selection.
His declaration sets the stage for what could be a defining political contest in 2027, as attention gradually shifts toward the next general election cycle.
