Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has dismissed concerns over his age ahead of the 2027 general elections, challenging critics to assess whether he appears to be approaching 80 years old. In a recent interview with BBC Hausa published on Friday, the former vice president addressed growing questions about his fitness for leadership due to his advancing age. He pointed out that Nigerians had already voted for a president who is nearly 80, referencing President Bola Tinubu, and questioned the consistency of those raising age-related concerns.
When asked if being “almost or nearly 80” by 2027 would affect his ability to lead effectively, Atiku responded with a direct challenge: “Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?” He emphasized that physical appearance and vitality matter more than chronological age when evaluating leadership capability. The conversation comes as Atiku ramps up efforts to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the next election, aiming to form a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku rejected claims that he was an obstacle to the formation of a broad opposition coalition, asserting that he was the one who initiated the group. “That is a baseless accusation levelled against me. I was actually the one who initiated the coalition. Nobody else… I, Atiku Abubakar, started it,” he stated firmly. He noted that despite disagreements among some prominent figures, most members of the coalition remain committed to working together. Among those who have left, he specifically named Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, his running mate in the New Democratic Coalition (NDC). “It was just Kwankwaso… he was with us at first, then he left,” Atiku said, adding, “Yes, and also Peter Obi. It’s just them, but the rest of us are still here continuing our work.”
Despite these splits, Atiku remains optimistic about eventual unity within the opposition. “Nothing is impossible, by God’s grace. One day you’ll see… we have agreed to work together to save this country and its poor citizens, Insha Allah,” he declared. His campaign continues to focus on economic recovery and accountability, particularly regarding the removal of the petrol subsidy. While he did not oppose the policy in principle, he questioned where the savings from the subsidy removal have gone. “I did not oppose the removal of the oil subsidy, but where is the money? Where did it go?” he asked, accusing the government of misappropriation.
Atiku insisted the funds were meant to reduce poverty, improve education, address insecurity, and create jobs for youth. “Where is the money now? It seems they are just stealing it,” he alleged. If elected, he promised to reinstate the petrol subsidy and demand restitution from anyone who embezzled the funds. “If elected, I will bring back the oil subsidy, and whoever stole the money must refund it,” he vowed. He argued that the subsidy could have been phased out without causing widespread hardship if the proceeds had been properly managed. As Nigeria approaches the 2027 election, Atiku’s message centers on national unity, economic justice, and transparency in governance.
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