Former vice president and opposition leader, Abubakar Atiku, said he would be willing to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, but only if certain conditions are met.
Atiku told BBC Hausa in an interview that he could step aside if his political camp produces a younger, “vibrant and acceptable” candidate capable of uniting the opposition and mounting a credible challenge in 2027.
The remark appears aimed at reassuring younger Nigerians and opponents who call for fresh faces, while preserving Atiku’s role as a kingmaker in opposition efforts against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former vice president framed the possibility of withdrawal as conditional and strategic, not a concession of personal ambition.
Atiku’s statement comes against the backdrop of renewed opposition cooperation.
In July, key opposition leaders unveiled the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, an alliance that includes figures such as Atiku and Peter Obi, aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The coalition’s creation has sharpened public interest in whether senior figures will keep contesting or make way for younger candidates under a joint ticket.
At the same time, Atiku has rejected suggestions that he was being asked to step down specifically for a southern candidate.
In July he denied reports of a meeting where he was said to have rejected calls to step aside and described such claims as false.
That denial underscores the delicate regional and intra-party dynamics the opposition must manage as it negotiates a joint strategy for 2027.
Stay ahead with the latest updates!
Join The Podium Media on WhatsApp for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
Chat with Us on WhatsApp
