2027 Will Be My Last Shot At The Presidency — Atiku

Akanni Toba

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has announced that he will stop vying for the most exalted political seat in the country after the 2027 general elections.

Abubakar made the declaration on Wednesday while featuring as a guest on an Arise TV programme.

The former number two citizen has taken a shot at the presidency six times but has been on the ballot as a presidential candidate on three occasions — 2007, 2019, and 2023.

But while answering a question from anchor of the programme’ if the stakes are higher for him in the forthcoming election and if the 2027 election would be his last considering his age, Atiku, said, ” Definitely yes, the stakes are higher because this is my last outing…”

Abubakar was the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections. He came second behind President Bola Tinubu, the eventual winner of the election.

The Adamawa-born politician, who will turn 80 in 2027, defected to the  African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the heat of the crisis buffeting the PDP.

He is considered as one of the heavyweight politicians likely to be the presidential standard bearer of the ADC in 2027.

Abubakar said young Nigerians seeking power should learn the ropes from older leaders and gain experience first.

“I personally believe that they require experience and tutelage from the older generation,” he said.

Recall that in 2024, Abubakar said he would “keep contesting” for the presidency as long as he is hale and hearty.

“Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy,” Abubakar said.