Photo File: former Vice-President Atiku-Abubakar.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar today dismissed reports suggesting he intends to step aside for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections.

The speculation stemmed from a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service, in which Atiku stated he would support a younger, vibrant candidate if such a person were to emerge as the flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) through a credible primary process.

The comments sparked assumptions that Atiku was ready to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race. However, in a statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibe, the former vice president clarified that the interview had been misinterpreted. Ibe emphasized that Atiku neither stated nor implied any intention to step down.

“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,” the statement read.

According to Ibe, Atiku merely encouraged participation from young Nigerians and affirmed that he would support any candidate—regardless of age—who emerges through a fair and competitive process.

“While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged,” Ibe added.

“For the record, therefore, the insinuations attributed to Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said.”