Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has refuted claims that he pledged to withdraw from 2027 presidential race in favour of a younger aspirant.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement on Tuesday by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku stressed that his comments during an interview with BBC Hausa had been misrepresented by some sections of the media.
Ibe said, “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.”
According to him, a careful review of both the original Hausa interview and its English translation shows that Atiku never “expressly, stated suggested or even implied that he intends to step down for anyone.” Instead, the former vice-president explained that every eligible aspirant — including young politicians — is free to contest.
Ibe added, “What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest.”
The spokesman further clarified that Atiku only stated he would support any young candidate who legitimately emerges from African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary, not that he would step aside for anyone.
He added, “While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged.”
