Picture: Alhaji Atiku Abubakar
From The Nijasun Feature Desk
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has drawn what could be the final curtain on his decades-long quest for Nigeria’s highest political office, declaring that the 2027 presidential election will be his last attempt to become President.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the declaration in a Hausa-language interview on Wednesday, putting to rest speculation that he could return to the presidential race in 2031 if his latest bid fails.
Asked directly whether he would contest again should he lose the 2027 election, the former Vice-President gave an unequivocal answer: “No, I have said it before, right from this election, I will not contest again.”
The declaration adds a dramatic new dimension to what is already shaping up to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched presidential contests.
For Atiku, 2027 is no longer simply another election in a long political journey. It is, by his own account, the final opportunity to realise a presidential ambition that has spanned several election cycles.
A Long Road to Aso Rock
Atiku has remained one of Nigeria’s most persistent presidential contenders, repeatedly seeking the mandate of Nigerians in his bid to occupy the seat of power in Abuja.
His latest declaration therefore carries considerable political weight. By ruling out a 2031 comeback, Atiku has effectively placed a deadline on his presidential ambition and given his 2027 campaign a distinctly final-battle character.
But beyond his personal ambition, Atiku urged Nigerians who possess Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to see the 2027 election as an opportunity to determine the direction of the country.
He appealed particularly to voters concerned about their families and the future of 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.
‘Don’t Just Vote-Protect Your Vote’
The former Vice-President also went beyond urging Nigerians to participate in the election, calling on voters to remain at their polling units after casting their ballots and monitor the counting process.
According to him, voting alone should not mark the end of a citizen’s responsibility.
“After going out to vote, they should also stay, escort, and ensure that those votes are counted,” Atiku said.
His remarks highlight the importance he places on voter participation and the protection of ballots as the country moves towards another fiercely contested general election.
Age Question: Atiku Fires Back
Atiku also confronted one of the issues that has followed his presidential campaigns in recent years — questions about his age and physical capacity to govern Nigeria.
The former Vice-President rejected suggestions that his age should prevent him from seeking the presidency, insisting that he remained physically capable of handling the responsibilities of the office.
“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.
With the 2027 election now less than a year away, Atiku’s declaration could reshape the political conversation surrounding his candidacy.
It presents his campaign not merely as another attempt to win the presidency, but potentially as the last chapter of one of Nigeria’s longest-running presidential quests.
The question now is whether Nigerians will give Atiku the historic opportunity to make his final attempt the one that finally takes him to Aso Rock — or whether 2027 will mark the definitive end of his presidential journey.
Tags: #Atiku2027 #2027Presidency #ADC #NigeriaPolitics
