Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the 2027 presidential election will be his final attempt to become Nigeria’s president, ruling out another bid in 2031 if he fails to win.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, made the declaration during a Hausa-language interview on Wednesday while responding to a question about whether he would seek the presidency again after the 2027 election.
“No, I have said it before, right from this election, I will not contest again,” he said.
Atiku, who has contested the presidency several times, also urged Nigerians with Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, to participate actively in the 2027 election, stressing that voting was essential to changing the country’s current situation.
He called on voters not only to cast their ballots but also to remain at their polling units and monitor the counting process to ensure their votes were properly recorded.
“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.
“After going out to vote, they should also stay, escort, and ensure that those votes are counted,” Atiku said.
The ADC candidate also dismissed concerns about his capacity to handle the demands of the presidency, saying he remained physically fit and capable of leading the country.
“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.