Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has signaled readiness to step aside in the 2027 presidential race if a younger and widely accepted candidate emerges.
Atiku, a key figure in the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the declaration in an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday. He stressed that his political interest is driven by a desire to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative, not by personal ambition.
“My being in the 2027 race does not prevent anyone from contesting. If a vibrant and widely accepted younger candidate emerges, I am willing to step aside,” Atiku said.
The former Vice President urged young Nigerians to take active roles in politics, pledging his full backing for any credible candidate chosen to represent the party.
He also dismissed claims that he is desperate to occupy the presidency, stating that his concern is rescuing Nigeria from leaders who have, in his words, “held it hostage.”
Atiku, who has contested several presidential elections, remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures. His latest remarks add to ongoing debates about generational leadership and the future of Nigeria’s democracy ahead of 2027.
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