The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has declared that he will not seek the presidency again if he fails to win the 2027 election.
The former Vice President made the declaration during a Hausa-language interview on Wednesday, while responding to a question on whether he would consider another presidential bid after the 2027 poll.
Atiku, who has contested the presidency several times, said he had already made up his mind to end his presidential ambitions after the forthcoming election.
“No, I have said it before, right from this election, I will not contest again,” he said.
The ADC candidate also urged registered voters to participate actively in the 2027 election, stressing that voting alone would not be enough without ensuring that ballots were properly counted.
He appealed to voters to remain at their polling units after casting their ballots and monitor the counting process.
“First of all, I appeal to those who have voter cards, for their own sake, their families, and their future, to go out and vote. That is the solution to the problems they are facing,” Atiku said.
“After going out to vote, they should also stay, escort, and ensure that those votes are counted,” he added.
Atiku was also asked about concerns over his capacity to govern on health grounds.
The former Vice President dismissed such concerns, insisting that he remained physically fit to lead the country.
“No doctor has declared that I am unfit in terms of health. I know my body, I know I am healthy, and I do not have a single defect,” he said.
Reacting to Atiku’s decision, the ADC Vanguard described the announcement as an important moment in his long political career.
The group noted that Atiku had spent decades pursuing the presidency, contesting elections and returning to the race after previous defeats.
It said the 2027 election could therefore mark the end of Atiku’s presidential journey.
“There is something deeply emotional about Atiku Abubakar saying he will not contest again if Nigerians reject him in 2027,” the group said in a post on X.
The ADC Vanguard urged Nigerians to consider Atiku’s experience and political record when making their choice in 2027, particularly amid the country’s economic and security challenges.
It described the forthcoming election as potentially Atiku’s final opportunity to seek the presidency.
“If 2027 truly is his last attempt, then it should not be treated like just another election,” the group said.
