Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed concerns about his age ahead of the 2027 presidential election, asking critics whether he looks like someone who has reached 80 years of age.
Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, made the remark in an interview with BBC Hausa published on Friday while responding to questions about his ability to provide effective leadership for four years if elected.
The interviewer noted that Atiku would be nearly 80 by the time Nigerians vote in 2027 and asked what he would tell those who considered his age too advanced for the presidency.
Atiku, while referencing President Bola Tinubu’s age, initially asked, “You went and voted for someone who is 80, I mean 90 years old. How old is President Bola, 90?”
When the interviewer corrected him that Tinubu was not yet 80, Atiku replied, “Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?”
The former vice president is currently seeking to rally opposition politicians behind a coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election.
Atiku denies being an obstacle to the opposition coalition.
Atiku also rejected claims that he had become an obstacle to the opposition coalition, insisting that he was instrumental to its formation.
“That is a baseless accusation levelled against me. I was actually the one who initiated the coalition. Nobody else…I, Atiku Abubakar, started it,” he said.
He identified Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as the two major opposition figures who had left the group, but said there was still a possibility of working together before the election.
“Nothing is impossible, by God’s grace,” Atiku said.
Former VP promises subsidy return
Atiku also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of petrol subsidy removal, questioning how the savings from the policy had been spent.
“I did not oppose the removal of the oil subsidy, but where is the money? Where did it go?” he asked.
He said the funds were expected to be used to reduce poverty, improve education, address insecurity and create opportunities for young Nigerians.
Atiku promised to restore the petrol subsidy if elected president and said those who had stolen the funds should refund them.
He also defended his decision not to sign a peace accord involving opposition politicians, questioning why the incumbent government was excluded from the process.
