Atiku: I Won’t Contest Again If I Lose 2027 Presidential Election

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has declared that he will not contest for the presidency again if he loses the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku made the declaration during an exclusive Hausa-language interview with Northern media outlets, where he also addressed the fuel subsidy removal, corruption, the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, youth participation in government and questions surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic credentials.

Speaking on the removal of the petrol subsidy, Atiku said he had initially not opposed the policy but questioned how the savings from the subsidy removal had been utilised.

“I initially did not oppose the removal of the fuel subsidy. But now that it has been removed, where is the money? Where has the subsidy money gone? Has it been used to improve healthcare, education or security?” he asked.

The ADC candidate said that if elected president in 2027, he would restore the subsidy and ensure that anyone found to have stolen Nigeria’s subsidy funds would be made to return the money.

On the efforts to secure the release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Atiku said his political allies were doing everything possible to secure his freedom.

“We are doing everything we can to see that El-Rufai is released. We visit him, send messages to him, and he also sends messages to us. We are also supporting his family,” he said.

Atiku also dismissed concerns over former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s reported refusal to endorse his presidential bid, arguing that the former president had limited electoral influence.

“I am unbothered by Obasanjo’s refusal to endorse me. In 1999 he could not even win his own state or the Southwest; it was Arewa that made him President. He possesses no electoral value,” Atiku stated.

Speaking about youth participation in governance, the former vice president said he had provided opportunities for young Nigerians during his tenure as vice president, noting that some of those beneficiaries had gone on to become governors, ministers and directors.

He promised that young Nigerians would continue to receive opportunities to serve in government if he wins the 2027 election.

On corruption, Atiku recalled the approach adopted by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo after taking over from the military government in 1999.

According to him, the administration had records of funds allegedly stolen by individuals under the Abacha government and invited those involved to return the money.

He claimed that he chaired the committee responsible for the recovery exercise, with former security chief Aliyu Gusau as a member, adding that the process contributed to the recovery of funds for the country before the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Atiku also revisited the controversy surrounding President Tinubu’s academic credentials, saying he stood by his previous allegations concerning the authenticity of the President’s certificates.

“I was the one who raised the issue surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic certificates, and I stand by my position that there was forgery. It is unacceptable for the President of Nigeria to have such questions surrounding his academic credentials,” he said.

The former vice president further questioned the decision of some Nigerians to support Tinubu’s presidential bid, citing the President’s age and health.

“I have never denied young people or anyone in Nigeria the opportunity to contest for president. Why did they choose Tinubu, who is almost 90 years old and is not in good health?” Atiku asked.