Atiku Shrugs Off Age Concerns Ahead of 2027 Election

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has brushed off worries about his age as the 2027 election approaches. He asked critics, "Do I look like someone who is approaching 80?"

Atiku made this comment during an interview with BBC Hausa published on Friday. He was addressing fears that his age might limit his ability to lead effectively if he wins the election.

The former vice president responded to a question about whether his age could hinder his capacity to lead well for four years if elected.

The interviewer pointed out that Atiku would be "almost or nearly 80 years old" by the time Nigerians vote in 2027. He asked Atiku what he would say to people who think his age is too much for the presidency.

Atiku challenged the question by bringing up President Bola Tinubu’s age. He 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, saying Tinubu was not yet 80, Atiku replied, "Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?"

This back-and-forth comes as Atiku ramps up his efforts for the 2027 presidential election. He is working to unite opposition politicians in a coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Atiku also denied claims that he was an obstacle to the opposition coalition. He insisted that he played a key 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.

He noted that many politicians involved in the coalition have stayed united, despite some disagreements among major opposition figures.

Atiku pointed out that NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso were the two main opposition figures who have left the group.

"It was just Kwankwaso... he was with us at first, then he left," Atiku said.

When 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."

Despite the departures, Atiku said there is still a chance for opposition politicians to work together before the 2027 election.

"Nothing is impossible, by God’s grace. One day you’ll see... we have agreed to work together to save this country and its poor citizens, Insha Allah," he said.

The former vice president also criticized the Federal Government’s approach to removing the petrol subsidy. He said the savings from this policy have not been properly accounted for.

"I did not oppose the removal of the oil subsidy, but where is the money? Where did it go?" Atiku asked.

He explained that the funds should have been used to reduce poverty, improve education, tackle insecurity, and create opportunities for young Nigerians.

"Where is the money now? It seems they are just stealing it," he said.

Atiku promised to restore the petrol subsidy if he becomes president. He also demanded that anyone who stole the money return it.

"If elected, I will bring back the oil subsidy, and whoever stole the money must refund it," he said.

He added that the subsidy could have been removed without causing the current hardships if the savings had been used wisely.

"The government successfully removed the subsidy, but we do not know where the money went. If they had used the money for development, to solve security problems, for education, and to create opportunities for the youth, it would be different," Atiku said.

Atiku also defended his choice not to sign a peace accord with other opposition politicians. He questioned why the ruling government was not included.

He said, "Why is it always only us in the opposition that you bring to sign, but you never bring the incumbent government to sign as well?"

Atiku concluded that he saw little value in the process if the ruling party was not part of it.

"So, if you don’t bring the incumbent government to come and sign, I see no point in going to sign it," he said.