Atiku Not Sick, ADC Chieftain Strong, Focused — Ex-VP Media Office Denies Viral Reports
By Olumuyiwa Olumuyiwa
The media office of the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is in rude health, urging the public to disregard the reports making the rounds alleging that the one of the opposition party’s presidential hopefuls is sick.
This claim is contained in a statement issued by the Atiku camp on Monday night to counter a news report earlier published on the same day.
An online news platform had earlier reported that Atiku fell ill during the weekend and was allegedly placed on bed rest by his personal doctors.
But reacting to the viral report, Atiku’s media office said the former vice president is as fit as a fiddle.
According to the statement, the ADC Frontline presidential aspirant is fully engaged in preparations for the party’s screening and primary election.
“Nigerians should disregard this mischievous report in its entirety. The ADC chieftain remains strong, focused, and fully prepared for the task ahead”, the statement added.
Recall that the former VP who is a perennial presidential candidate, having contested the post five times, has announced that he would be taking his last shot at the country’s most exalted political seat in 2027.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Atiku is now in a pole position to emerge as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election following the defections of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his newfound ally and former Kano governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the coalition movement to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Atiku will be eighty years old by November 25. The ex-VP’s age has been a concern in some quarters with some people thinking he might not be able to withstand the rigour that comes with the presidency should he win the 2027 election.
However, the former vice president has stated that there are precedents across the globe of world leaders who assumed office in their late 70s and early 80s particularly citing the example of former US president, Joe Biden.
