2027 will be my final presidential contest, Atiku declares

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has declared that the 2027 presidential election will be his final attempt to become Nigeria’s President, ruling out any plan to seek the office again in 2031.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, made the declaration during a Hausa-language interview on Wednesday.

Asked whether he would contest again if he lost the 2027 election, Atiku gave a firm response, saying he had already decided that the upcoming election would be his last presidential contest.

“No, I have said it before, right from this election, I will not contest again,” he said.

Atiku urges Nigerians to vote

The former Vice-President, who has sought the presidency several times, also urged Nigerians with Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, to participate actively in the 2027 general election.

Atiku said voting remained essential for Nigerians who wanted to influence the direction of the country and secure a better future for themselves, their families and the next generation.

“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,” he said.

He stressed that citizens should not treat the election as an event in which they simply cast their ballots and leave.

Stay at polling units, Atiku tells voters

Atiku further urged voters to remain at their polling units after casting their ballots and monitor the counting process to ensure that their votes were properly recorded.

“After going out to vote, they should also stay, escort, and ensure that those votes are counted,” he said.

According to him, active participation in the electoral process is necessary if Nigerians want their votes to translate into the leadership they desire.

Atiku dismisses age concerns

The former Vice-President also dismissed concerns about his age and capacity to cope with the demands of the presidency.

Atiku insisted that he remained physically fit and capable of performing the responsibilities of Nigeria’s President.

“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.

2027 as final presidential bid

The declaration places a clear limit on Atiku’s long-running presidential ambition, with the 2027 election now presented by him as his final opportunity to seek Nigeria’s highest political office.

Atiku has previously contested the presidency on several occasions, including under different political platforms, as he continued his pursuit of the country’s top political office.

His latest declaration means that, regardless of the outcome of the 2027 presidential election, he does not intend to return to the race in 2031.