Ex-VP Denies Withdrawal Rumours, Warns Against Media ‘Mischief’ As PDP Faces Fierce Battle Ahead
The political battlefield ahead of the 2027 general elections just got hotter as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed claims that he plans to quit the presidential race, declaring that he remains firmly in the contest and will not step down for anyone.
Atiku, who has been a dominant figure in Nigeria’s political landscape for over three decades, made the clarification on Thursday through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, following controversy over his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service.
According to Ibe, both the video and transcripts of the interview — in Hausa and English — were meticulously reviewed, and at no point did Atiku state, hint, or imply that he would bow out of the race.
> “What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest,” Ibe stated.
“He further stressed that if a younger candidate were to emerge through a truly competitive and democratic primary, he would readily support such a candidate without hesitation.”
Ibe, however, accused sections of the media of engaging in “mischievous interpretations” designed to mislead Nigerians and destabilize Atiku’s support base ahead of the elections.
> “For the records, therefore, the insinuations attributed to the Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said,” Ibe warned.
Political Analysis: PDP’s Tightrope Ahead of 2027
Atiku’s latest clarification is more than just damage control — it underscores the high stakes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as it struggles to reposition itself against the ruling APC. His insistence on staying in the race is likely to embolden his loyalists but could also deepen rifts within the opposition, where calls for generational change are growing louder.
Analysts say Atiku’s statement sends a clear signal: he intends to remain the power broker, whether as candidate or kingmaker. For many within the PDP, his presence ensures both stability and controversy.
Observers also warn that unless the PDP can reconcile its internal factions — between Atiku’s loyal bloc and younger aspirants eager to take charge — the party risks entering the 2027 race divided, a scenario that could hand the APC a decisive advantage.
For now, Atiku’s words have reignited debates across Nigeria’s political spectrum: Will the PDP rally behind the veteran politician once again, or will a new face finally emerge to challenge both the ruling party and Atiku’s enduring dominance?
One thing is certain: with Atiku refusing to step down, the road to 2027 promises to be as fiery as it is unpredictable.
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