2027 Will Be My Final Presidential Bid — Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has indicated that the 2027 presidential election could mark his last attempt to lead Nigeria, citing his age and the weight of the contest.

Atiku, who flew the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, made this known during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday.

When asked whether turning 80 by 2027 would raise the stakes for him, the former vice president responded that the race would most likely be his final shot at the presidency.

“Certainly yes, because the stakes are higher and I believe that will be my last outing,” he said.

Atiku has made several bids for Nigeria’s top office since re-entering active politics in 2003. His first presidential attempt dates back to 1993, when he contested under the Social Democratic Party but stepped down for the late Moshood Abiola.

ADVERTISEMENT

He later ran in 2007 under the Action Congress, losing to Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. In 2011, he contested on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria but was defeated by Goodluck Jonathan.

Returning to the PDP, Atiku contested again in 2019 but lost to Muhammadu Buhari. He also emerged as the party’s candidate in 2023, where he was defeated by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.

Over the years, Atiku has consistently advocated for restructuring, economic liberalisation, and private sector-driven growth.

With early political alignments already taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections, his latest comment is expected to further fuel conversations about the future of Nigeria’s presidential race.