Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has indicated that the 2027 presidential election could be his final bid for Nigeria’s top office, pointing to his age and the significance of the contest.
Atiku, who flew the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, made this known during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday evening.
When asked if turning 80 by 2027 would raise the stakes for him, the former vice president responded that it would likely mark his last attempt.
“Certainly yes, because the stakes are higher and I believe that will be my last outing,” he said.
Atiku has made several attempts to become Nigeria’s president since returning to active politics in 2003.
His first presidential ambition dates back to 1993 when he contested the then Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries before stepping down for the late Chief Moshood Abiola.
He later ran in 2007 on the platform of the Action Congress but lost to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
In 2011, he contested again under the Action Congress of Nigeria, losing to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He returned to the PDP and contested the 2019 presidential election, where he was defeated by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In 2023, he once more emerged as the PDP candidate but lost to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Over the years, the former vice president has maintained his stance as a strong advocate for restructuring, economic liberalisation, and private sector-led development.
As political activities ahead of 2027 begin to gather momentum, Atiku’s latest remark is expected to fuel further debate about the shape of Nigeria’s next presidential race.
