Atiku Abubakar has rubbished reports that he vowed to quit the 2027 race for a younger politician, insisting his words were twisted out of context.
His media aide, Paul Ibe, came out swinging on Tuesday, blasting reports that quoted Atiku’s BBC Hausa interview as a pledge to step aside.
“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,” Ibe said.
According to him, “After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview – in the original Hausa and the English translation – it is evident that at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone.”
Atiku, he explained, only made it clear that young Nigerians and other aspirants are free to join the presidential race.
“He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without any hesitation,” Ibe added.
The statement slammed what it called “mischief” in twisting Atiku’s words, warning that “stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged.”
For the record, Atiku is gunning for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket, the platform opposition leaders are rallying behind to dislodge the ruling APC.
Reports had suggested he would bow out if a younger candidate emerged, but Atiku insists he only said he would support whoever legitimately wins the party’s primaries.
