2027: Atiku denies plan to step down for another aspirant, clarifies BBC interview

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday debunked reports purporting his readiness to step down for another presidential aspirant.

In a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Atiku could be heard saying that he will drop his 2027 presidential ambition if a younger and vibrant Nigerian wins the African Democratic Congress, ADC, primary election.

The interview led to insinuation that the former vice president will withdraw from the presidential race.

Clarifying the interview, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, said in a statement that the viral video was misinterpreted.

The statement reads: “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.

“What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest.

“He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without any hesitation.

“While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged.

“For the record, therefore, the insinuations attributed to Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said.”

2027: Atiku denies plan to step down for another aspirant, clarifies BBC interview