The Presidency has dismissed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s claim that President Bola Tinubu is 90 years old, describing the allegation as a desperate attempt to revive his campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Gatekeepers News reports that Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, described Atiku’s claim as the “last kick of a dying horse.” He accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate of resorting to personal attacks after failing to convince Nigerians with his policy positions.
Atiku had made the controversial claim during a BBC interview, saying he had evidence that Tinubu is 90 years old and would present the evidence in court.
“I have a president who is 90 years old now, and who is sick. I am healthy; I am strong.”
He added:
“I have evidence that he is [90], and I will present it in court.”
Reacting in a statement, Ajayi said Atiku’s focus on Tinubu’s age was inconsistent with his claim that he intended to run an issue-based campaign.
“For former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, this is the last kick of a dying horse.”
The presidential aide accused Atiku of being desperate to secure the presidency, saying he would “stop at nothing” in his pursuit of the office.
Ajayi also questioned why Atiku, who had said his campaign would focus on issues affecting Nigerians, had shifted attention to the president’s personal life.
“It is ridiculous to claim President Tinubu is 90 years old.”
He further alleged that Atiku was using the age controversy to gain attention after struggling to defend his proposal to restore petrol subsidy if elected in 2027. According to Ajayi, the former vice-president had become “incoherent and flip-flopping on policy issues.”
The presidential aide challenged Atiku to take his claim to court and produce the evidence he said he possessed.
“Let him go to court to present the evidence that President Tinubu is 90 years old.”
Ajayi also said Atiku had previously failed in several legal challenges involving Tinubu and would fail again.
Meanwhile, Tinubu’s date of birth remains officially listed as March 29, 1952, which makes him 74 years old in 2026.
