Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has stated that if he loses the 2027 election, he will not contest again.
This was stated during a Hausa-language interview, which was translated by our correspondent on Wednesday.
“No, I have said it before; right from this election, I will not contest again,” the former vice president said.
Atiku, who has run for president multiple times, also asked Nigerians with permanent voter cards to vote in the 2027 election, emphasising the need of remaining at voting stations to ensure that their votes are counted.
“First of all, I appeal to those who have voter cards, for their own sake, their families, and their future, to go out and vote. That is the solution to the problems they are facing.
“After going out to vote, they should also stay, escort, and ensure that those votes are counted,” he said.
He was also asked about his fitness to govern Nigeria, with Atiku insisting that he was healthy and capable of leading the country.
“No doctor has declared that I am unfit in terms of health. I know my body, I know I am healthy, and I do not have a single defect,” he said.
Speaking on Atiku’s decision not to seek another presidential bid if he loses in 2027, the ADC Vanguard, in a post on X, described the statement as significant, saying Nigerians may not have another opportunity to test an Atiku presidency.
“There is something deeply emotional about Atiku Abubakar saying he will not contest again if Nigerians reject him in 2027,” the party said.
It added that Atiku’s political journey had spanned decades, during which he had contested, lost and returned to seek the presidency again.
It stated that voters should weigh Atiku’s experience and political reach, particularly given the country’s economic and security difficulties.
The ADC Vanguard went on to say that the 2027 election could be Atiku’s “final chance” to be judged by his performance in office rather than campaigns and conjecture.
“If 2027 truly is his last attempt, then it should not be treated like just another election,” the party said.
