The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has said the 2027 presidential election will be his final attempt to become Nigeria’s president.
The former Vice-President stated that he would not seek another presidential nomination if he loses the 2027 election, effectively ruling out a bid in 2031.
Atiku made the declaration during an interview conducted in Hausa on Wednesday while responding to a question on whether he would contest another presidential election if unsuccessful in 2027.
“No, I have said it before, right from this election, I will not contest again,” the former vice-president said.
Atiku’s declaration brings an end, at least by his current position, to speculation about whether he could seek the presidency again in 2031 if he fails to win the 2027 election.
The former vice-president has contested the Nigerian presidency several times, making the 2027 election another attempt to secure the country’s highest political office.
His decision to rule out a future presidential bid places additional significance on the 2027 election for his supporters and the ADC.
The former vice-president also urged registered voters to participate actively in the election and ensure their votes are properly counted.
Atiku appealed to Nigerians who have Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to come out and vote in the 2027 election.
He said voting was an important way for citizens to influence the direction of the country and address the challenges they face.
“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,” he said.
Atiku went further by urging voters not to leave polling units immediately after casting their ballots.
He advised voters to remain at their polling units and ensure that their votes are counted.
“After going out to vote, they should also stay, escort, and ensure that those votes are counted,” he added.
His comments underline his emphasis on voter participation and ballot protection ahead of the 2027 election.
The ADC presidential candidate was also questioned about his health and fitness to serve as president.
Atiku rejected suggestions that his health could prevent him from governing Nigeria, insisting that he remains physically capable of leading 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.
The issue of presidential candidates’ health and fitness has remained a recurring subject in Nigeria’s political discourse, particularly during election campaigns.
Atiku’s response comes as political parties and candidates increasingly position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
Reacting to Atiku’s declaration, the ADC Vanguard described his decision not to seek another presidential bid after 2027 as significant.
In a post on X, the group said Nigerians may not have another opportunity to consider an Atiku presidency if he loses the 2027 election.
“There is something deeply emotional about Atiku Abubakar saying he will not contest again if Nigerians reject him in 2027,” the group said.
The ADC Vanguard noted that Atiku’s political career has spanned several decades, during which he has contested presidential elections, suffered defeats and returned to seek the presidency again.
The group described the 2027 election as potentially representing the final chapter of Atiku’s political journey.
READ MORE: Duke: IBB Warned Obasanjo Against Atiku’s Ambition
The ADC Vanguard argued that Atiku’s political experience and national reach should be considered by voters against the backdrop of Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
It described the 2027 election as potentially Atiku’s “final chance” to be judged by his record and capacity to lead rather than campaign promises and political speculation.
“If 2027 truly is his last attempt, then it should not be treated like just another election,” the group said.
Atiku’s declaration adds another major talking point to the growing political activity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The former vice-president will now seek to convince voters that he remains the right candidate to lead Nigeria, while his statement that he will not contest again could make the election particularly significant for his political movement.
For the ADC, the focus will now shift towards building support for Atiku’s candidacy and presenting its political agenda to Nigerians as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
