Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports claiming he intends to step aside for another aspirant ahead of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that the claims are a deliberate misrepresentation of his words.
In a statement on Thursday, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, said the reports were based on a misinterpretation of the Waziri Adamawa’s recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service.
BBC Interview Misrepresented
According to Ibe, a careful review of the video and its transcript showed that Atiku never said, suggested, or implied that he would step down for any aspirant.
“What Atiku Abubakar clearly stated was that young people, as well as other aspirants, are free to enter the contest. He added that if a young candidate emerges through a competitive primary, he will support the person wholeheartedly,” Ibe clarified.
Warning Against Political Mischief
The media aide further cautioned against what he described as “mischief in interpretative reporting,” stressing that the former Vice President’s words had been deliberately twisted for political gain.
“For the record, the insinuations attributed to Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he said,” Ibe added.
With this clarification, Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s democratic process and the principle of fair competition, while encouraging young people to participate actively in the political space.
