The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed concerns about his age ahead of the 2027 presidential election, challenging critics to judge him by his appearance and capacity rather than his age.
Atiku made the remarks in an interview with BBC Hausa published on Friday while responding to questions about whether his age could affect his ability to provide effective leadership for a four-year presidential term.
The interviewer pointed out that Atiku would be close to 80 by the time Nigerians vote in 2027 and asked what he would tell those who believe he may be too old to occupy the presidency.
In his response, the former vice president referred to President Bola Tinubu’s age before challenging the premise of the question.
“You went and voted for someone who is 80, I mean 90 years old. How old is President Bola, 90?” Atiku asked.
After the interviewer clarified that Tinubu was not yet 80, Atiku responded: “Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?”
Atiku Defends Role in Opposition Coalition
The comments came as Atiku intensifies preparations for the 2027 presidential election and continues efforts to build an opposition coalition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku also rejected allegations that he had become an obstacle to the opposition coalition, insisting that he played a central role in bringing the group together.
“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.
According to the former vice president, most of the politicians who were involved in the formation of the coalition have remained together despite disagreements among some prominent opposition figures.
He specifically identified Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as major opposition figures who had subsequently left the coalition.
“It was just Kwankwaso… he was with us at first, then he left,” Atiku said.
Asked about Obi, he added: “Yes, and also Peter Obi. It’s just them, but the rest of us are still here continuing our work.”
Atiku’s comments come amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and political leaders exploring alliances and strategies to challenge the APC.
