The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has said he will not contest another presidential election if he loses the 2027 poll.
The former Vice President made the declaration during an interview conducted in Hausa and translated by a correspondent on Wednesday.
Atiku was responding to a question on whether he would seek the presidency again if he failed to win the 2027 election.
“No, I have said it before, right from this election, I will not contest again,” he said.
Atiku, who has contested the Nigerian presidency several times, also urged eligible voters to participate actively in the 2027 election.
He appealed to Nigerians with Permanent Voter Cards to come out and vote, stressing that participation in the electoral process was necessary for citizens to influence the direction of the country.
“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.
He further urged voters not to leave polling units immediately after casting their ballots, but to remain at the polling stations to monitor the counting process.
“After going out to vote, they should also stay, escort, and ensure that those votes are counted,” he added.
READ RELATED STORY
Atiku vows to restore petrol subsidy if elected president
Atiku dismisses Obasanjo’s electoral strength, credits Arewa for 1999 victory
Atiku speaks on health
The ADC candidate was also questioned about his fitness to govern Nigeria, amid discussions about the age and health of presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 election.
Atiku insisted that he was healthy and capable of serving as president.
“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 former Vice President’s comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with major political figures and parties positioning themselves for the contest.
ADC group describes declaration as significant
Reacting to Atiku’s decision, the ADC Vanguard described his statement as significant and suggested that Nigerians could be facing their final opportunity to elect him as president.
In a post on X, the group said Atiku’s political career had spanned several decades, during which he had contested presidential elections, suffered defeats and returned to seek the office again.
“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 argued that the 2027 election could represent “the final chapter of a political journey that has lasted most of Nigeria’s democratic era.”
It said Atiku’s political experience and reach should be considered by voters, particularly in view of the country’s economic and security challenges.
The group further described the 2027 presidential election as potentially Atiku’s “final chance” to be judged by his record and leadership capacity rather than political campaigns and speculation.
“If 2027 truly is his last attempt, then it should not be treated like just another election,” the ADC Vanguard said.
Atiku’s declaration adds another dimension to the growing political contest ahead of the 2027 election, as the ADC prepares to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress and other opposition parties for the presidency.
The former Vice President’s pledge also means that, should he lose the 2027 contest, he would bring to an end his long-running bid for Nigeria’s highest political office.
