Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has declared that the 2027 presidential election will be his final attempt to become Nigeria’s President, ruling out any plan to seek the office again in 2031.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the declaration during a Hausa-language interview on Wednesday.
Asked whether he would contest the presidency again if he lost the 2027 election, Atiku gave a firm response, saying he would not seek another presidential bid.
“No, I have said it before, right from this election, I will not contest again,” he said.
The former Vice-President, who has contested Nigeria’s presidency several times, also urged Nigerians with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to actively participate in the 2027 general election.
Atiku said voting was essential for Nigerians who wanted to influence the country’s future, particularly the future of their families and the next generation.
“First of all, I appeal to those who have voter cards, for their own sake, their families, and their future, to go out and vote. That is the solution to the problems they are facing,” he said.
He also urged voters to remain at their polling units after casting their ballots to monitor the counting process and ensure that their votes were properly accounted for.
“After going out to vote, they should also stay, escort, and ensure that those votes are counted,” Atiku said.
The ADC presidential candidate further dismissed concerns about his age and physical capacity to handle the demands of the presidency.
Atiku insisted that he remained physically fit and capable of governing the country, saying no doctor had declared him medically unfit.
“No doctor has declared that I am unfit in terms of health. I know my body, I know I am healthy, and I do not have a single defect,” he said.
Atiku’s latest declaration places a clear limit on his presidential ambition, with the 2027 election set to be his final attempt to secure Nigeria’s highest political office.
The former Vice-President’s decision also means that, irrespective of the outcome of the 2027 election, he does not intend to pursue another presidential campaign in 2031.
