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2027 Will Be My Last Presidential Run – Atiku Declares Final Shot at Nigeria's Top Seat
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that the 2027 presidential election will be his final attempt at Nigeria's highest office, marking a potential end to one of the country's most enduring political ambitions. The 79‑year‑old statesman, who will turn 80 by the next election cycle, made the announcement during an exclusive interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, setting the stage for what he described as his "last outing" in the nation's political arena.
'The Stakes Are Higher': Atiku Confirms Final Presidential Bid
Responding to a question about whether turning 80 by 2027 would raise the stakes for him, Atiku did not hesitate. "Certainly yes, because the stakes are higher and I believe that will be my last outing," he said. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain acknowledged that time and political realities would make 2027 his final shot at the presidency.
When pressed on whether he would be willing to step aside if another aspirant, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, clinches the ADC ticket, Atiku affirmed his commitment to democratic principles. "Yes, I will step aside for any winner," he said. "Of course, if he is a contender, why not?" He emphasized that leadership emergence must be anchored on either consensus or a transparent electoral process: "What is difficult there? It is democracy. It is either you go through consensus, or you go through an election."
Why Atiku Believes He Is Still the Man for the Job
Justifying why Nigerians should still consider voting for him despite multiple previous bids and concerns about his age, the former Vice President argued that his blend of experience and historical perspective positions him uniquely to lead the country at a critical time. "I represent both the past and the future," he said, noting that while Nigeria has witnessed leadership across generations, expectations of younger leaders have not always been met.
He maintained that emerging politicians require mentorship and guidance from more experienced figures, adding that practical governance experience can only be gained through direct participation at the highest level. Drawing on his time serving under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Atiku stressed that leadership challenges in several states under younger governors highlight the need for experience at the centre.
In a pointed remark, Atiku also described former President Goodluck Jonathan as "a decent man" but attributed governance shortcomings during Jonathan's tenure to inexperience in handling national challenges.
Northern Political Dominance: Atiku Boasts of Voter Base
Beyond the question of candidacy, Atiku used the interview to assert his enduring political influence, particularly in Northern Nigeria—a region considered critical in determining electoral outcomes. He argued that none of the current or emerging political leaders from the North commands a voter base comparable to his. "Can you tell who is a current leader in the North who has more votes than I have? Talking of leaders like Tambuwal, Kwankwaso, El-Rufai and also the emerging political leaders, none of them have got that northern vote as much as I've got," he declared.
He specifically downplayed former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso's reach, describing his support base as largely confined to Kano State. According to Atiku, even that influence is no longer consolidated, citing the political dynamics involving the incumbent governor, Abba Yusuf. "Kwankwaso's popularity is restricted to only Kano State. Kano is even now split between him and Governor Abba Yusuf," he said.
Call for Opposition Unity: 'Vote Out APC or Face Disaster'
Atiku also used the platform to rally Nigerians against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that failure to vote out President Bola Tinubu in 2027 would amount to a disaster. "I don't see a better future for Nigeria if we fail to vote out the APC from power," he said.
He described President Tinubu's administration as a profound disappointment, particularly in economic management. "Tinubu has been a very bad president, to be honest with you. I didn't expect that from him… the way he governs the country, whether economically or otherwise, it's a disappointment," Atiku said.
The former Vice President confirmed his role as a key initiator of a broad opposition coalition that includes members from multiple political parties, arguing that such alliances are necessary to strengthen electoral viability and democratic competition. He expressed confidence in the maturity of coalition members and the possibility of reaching consensus on a presidential candidate, affirming his willingness to support any candidate who emerges through either consensus or a democratic process, including former allies.
A Decades-Long Pursuit: Atiku's Presidential Journey
Atiku has been expressing interest in becoming Nigeria's president for decades. He first contested the presidency in 1993 under the Social Democratic Party primaries before stepping down for the late Moshood Abiola. He later ran in 2007 under the Action Congress, losing to the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. Atiku also contested in 2011 under the Action Congress of Nigeria, losing to former President Goodluck Jonathan. He returned to the Peoples Democratic Party and contested the 2019 presidential election, where he lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari. In 2023, he again emerged as the PDP candidate but lost to President Bola Tinubu of the APC.
With the 2027 election cycle already shaping early political alignments, Atiku's latest comment adds to growing speculation over the next phase of Nigeria's presidential contest. His remarks are expected to influence political conversations ahead of 2027, as supporters and critics respond to what he describes as his "final shot" at the presidency.
Conclusion: The Final Chapter of a Political Colossus
Atiku Abubakar's declaration that 2027 will be his last presidential run marks a significant moment in Nigeria's political history. After decades of relentless pursuit of the nation's highest office, the former Vice President is now framing his next bid as a final, high‑stakes attempt to lead Africa's most populous nation.
His call for a united opposition coalition, his willingness to step aside for consensus candidates like Peter Obi, and his assertion of northern political dominance all point to a strategic repositioning ahead of 2027. Whether this final shot will end a decades‑long quest for the presidency or close the chapter on an unfulfilled ambition remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Atiku Abubakar remains a central figure in Nigeria's political discourse, and his last run will undoubtedly shape the contours of the 2027 election battle.
Stay tuned to Unuevbo TV for more in-depth reporting on Nigeria's 2027 election developments and political landscape.
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