Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denied reports suggesting he plans to step down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement released on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the reports as a misrepresentation of his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service.

“After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview – in the original Hausa and the English translation – it is evident that at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone,” the statement read.

According to Ibe, Atiku only stated that young Nigerians and other aspirants are free to join the contest, adding that he would fully support a young candidate if such a person emerged through a competitive primary.

He accused some media platforms of stretching interpretation “to the point of mischief,” stressing that the insinuations attributed to the former Vice President are “inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said.”

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, has remained a central figure in opposition politics, with speculation rife about his role in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.