2027 will be my last outing, says Atiku
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that the 2027 presidential election will be his final attempt at the top office. Speaking on Arise News, Atiku said his potential candidacy
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that the 2027 presidential election will be his final attempt at the top office.
Speaking on Arise News, Atiku said his potential candidacy in 2027 would serve as a bridge between Nigeria’s political past and its future.
He stressed that his ambition is driven more by a desire to stabilise governance than personal gain.
The former presidential candidate used the platform to deliver a sweeping critique of the current administration led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he accused of underperforming across key sectors of the economy and governance.
He argued that rising hardship among Nigerians reflects a failure of leadership to meet expectations.
Atiku also raised concerns about what he described as systemic governance failures at the sub-national level, attributing them partly to the inexperience of younger political leaders.
While acknowledging the importance of youth participation in politics, he emphasised that effective leadership requires mentorship, institutional support, and exposure.
He maintained that many emerging leaders have struggled due to the absence of strong guidance from the centre, insisting that leadership must be deliberately nurtured through structured training and experience.
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Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic evolution, Atiku described the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a “golden era”.
He cited its role in providing direction and stability in the early years of the Fourth Republic.
He also referenced the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, whom he said showed early promise before his time in office was cut short.
On former President Goodluck Jonathan, Atiku noted that his administration faced significant governance challenges, which he linked in part to limited experience in managing complex national issues.
Looking ahead to 2027, Atiku said discussions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition are ongoing, with a preference for adopting a consensus approach in selecting a presidential candidate.
He, however, noted that the coalition remains open to conducting primaries if consensus proves unattainable.
He pledged to support whoever emerges as the coalition’s flagbearer, underscoring what he described as a shared commitment among opposition figures to strengthen democratic institutions and restore balance in governance.
According to him, the coalition is united not only by opposition to the ruling party but also by a common agenda centred on reinforcing the separation of powers and re-establishing effective checks and balances.
Atiku warned that excessive concentration of authority within the executive arm poses a threat to democratic stability.
He stressed the need to safeguard institutional independence and accountability mechanisms.
