Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced that the 2027 presidential election will mark his final attempt at Nigeria’s highest office, drawing a line under a political ambition that has spanned more than three decades.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday, Atiku stated unequivocally, “The 2027 election will be my last outing.”
The declaration comes as the veteran politician, who has pursued the presidency since 1992, seeks to position himself once again as a leading contender in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Addressing concerns about his age and repeated bids for the presidency, Atiku argued that Nigeria’s core challenge lies not in generational change but in a deficit of experienced leadership. He maintained that his extensive background—as a former Vice President and military governor—places him in a stronger position to lead the country compared to his rivals.
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According to him, ineffective governance across several states can be traced to a lack of guidance from the presidency. He criticized what he described as a trend of “inexperienced young leaders” occupying key positions without the benefit of strong and seasoned leadership at the top.
“There is a clear and stark difference,” Atiku said, pointing to what he termed the failure of some younger state governors. “They do not have a capable and experienced president to guide them and give them the benefit of his experience.”
The former vice president also revisited past administrations, attributing some of Nigeria’s challenges during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure to what he described as inexperience in leadership.
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Despite his criticism of younger leaders, Atiku acknowledged the importance of preparing the next generation. He advocated for structured leadership training for young Nigerians, stressing that the country must invest in grooming future leaders even as it grapples with current governance issues.
As the political landscape gradually shifts toward 2027, Atiku’s latest remarks set the tone for what could be a defining final campaign—one likely to center on the enduring debate between experience and generational change in Nigerian politics.
