Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting he may withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, reaffirming his determination to contest and lead Nigeria.
The clarification follows comments made at a political event in Lagos, where Prof. Ola Olateju, representing Atiku at the defection of some figures to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), indicated that the former Vice President was more focused on building a better Nigeria than occupying the presidency at all costs.
According to Olateju, Atiku’s priority is to establish a functional government that works for Nigerians, rather than pursuing power for its own sake.
However, speaking through Prof. Tunde Olusunle, a former media adviser during the 2023 presidential election, Atiku distanced himself from the statement, insisting it did not reflect his position.
Olusunle disclosed that Atiku, reacting from his holiday in the United Arab Emirates, stated clearly that he remains firmly in the race.
“I did not issue that statement,” Atiku was quoted as saying, explaining that Olateju did not consult him before speaking at the event.
Reaffirming his ambition, Atiku declared his readiness to contest in 2027, stressing that Nigeria urgently needs rescue from worsening economic hardship, insecurity and poor governance.
“I will run in 2027. Nigeria needs to be decisively rescued… the level of poverty, pain and lack of accountability is unacceptable,” he said, adding that he is prepared to lead what he described as the “reclamation and reconstruction” of the country.
The former Vice President also expressed confidence in the ADC coalition he is aligning with, describing it as a growing movement capable of mobilising mass support and challenging the current political order.
Dismissing concerns over the party’s recent performance in by-elections, Atiku argued that the ADC is still in its early stages and cannot yet be judged by those outcomes.
He maintained that the coalition would surprise critics and play a major role in shaping the 2027 election, insisting that it represents a strong platform for change.
