Opposition leader and former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has denied widespread reports that he planned to step down for a younger person in the 2027 presidential race, saying the reports were a misrepresentation of a recent interview he granted to the Hausa Service of the BBC.
A statement signed by Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Thursday, said at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intended to step down for anyone.
He, however, noted that his principal only stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary election, he (Atiku) would readily support such a candidate in the 2027 election without any hesitation.
“It has become necessary to clarify certain misrepresentations arising from the reportage of an interview granted by His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, to the BBC Hausa Service by some sections of the media.
“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 records, therefore, the insinuations attributed to the Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said,” Paul Ibe stated.
