Atiku rules out 2031 run, calls 2027 his final race

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The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has said he will not contest another presidential election if he loses the 2027 poll.

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Atiku stated this during an interview conducted in Hausa and translated by our correspondent on Wednesday, while responding to a question on whether he would seek another presidential bid if he lost the 2027 election.

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“No, I have said it before, right from this election, I will not contest again,” the former Vice President said.

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Atiku, who has contested the presidency several times, also urged Nigerians with Permanent Voter Cards to participate in the 2027 election, stressing the need for voters to remain at polling units to ensure their votes are counted.

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“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.

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“After going out to vote, they should also stay, escort, and ensure that those votes are counted,” he said.

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The ADC candidate was also asked about his fitness to govern Nigeria, with Atiku insisting that he was healthy and capable of leading the country.

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“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.

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Reacting to Atiku’s decision not to seek another presidential bid if he loses in 2027, the ADC Vanguard, in a post on X, described the statement as significant, saying Nigerians may not have another opportunity to test an Atiku presidency.

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“There is something deeply emotional about Atiku Abubakar saying he will not contest again if Nigerians reject him in 2027,” the party said.

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It added that Atiku’s political journey had spanned decades, during which he had contested, lost and returned to seek the presidency again.

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The group argued that the 2027 election could represent “the final chapter of a political journey that has lasted most of Nigeria’s democratic era.”

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It said Atiku’s experience and political reach should be considered by voters, particularly against the backdrop of the country’s economic and security challenges. The ADC Vanguard further described the 2027 election as potentially Atiku’s “final chance” to be judged by his performance in office rather than by campaigns and speculation.

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“If 2027 truly is his last attempt, then it should not be treated like just another election,” the party said.

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