2027 will be my final presidential bid, says Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that the 2027 presidential election will mark his final attempt to lead Nigeria, citing his age and the rising political stakes as key reasons for stepping back from future contests

Atiku made the announcement on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television, where he reflected on his long political journey and ambitions ahead of the next general election.

“Because of age and the fact that the stakes are higher, I believe that 2027 will be my last outing,” the former vice president said in response to a question about his plans beyond the forthcoming polls.

Atiku, who will turn 80 in 2027, is currently seeking the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), positioning himself once again as a leading opposition figure.

A Long Road to the Presidency

Atiku has been a dominant force in Nigeria’s political landscape for over three decades. He served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, playing a significant role in economic reforms and privatization policies during the early years of the Fourth Republic.

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Since leaving office, Atiku has persistently pursued the presidency, contesting multiple times across different political platforms. Most recently, he ran under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 and 2023 general elections but was unsuccessful on both occasions.

His move to the ADC signals a strategic political recalibration ahead of 2027, as opposition forces seek broader alliances to challenge the ruling establishment.

Crowded Opposition Field

Within the ADC, Atiku is expected to compete for the presidential ticket alongside other prominent political figures, including former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

The emerging contest within the party is widely seen as a potential focal point for opposition consolidation as Nigeria approaches another critical electoral cycle.

Age and Experience at the Forefront

By 2027, Atiku will be 80 years old — a factor he acknowledged as central to his decision not to pursue future elections beyond that year. Political analysts say his declaration may be aimed at reassuring voters and party stakeholders about succession planning and generational transition within the opposition movement.

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Despite past electoral defeats, Atiku remains one of Nigeria’s most recognizable and experienced politicians, with a vast political network and national presence.

His latest statement effectively sets the stage for what could be his final and most consequential campaign, as he seeks to cap decades of political ambition with a final bid for the nation’s highest office.