“Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?” — Atiku challenges critics

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has responded to concerns over his age ahead of the 2027 presidential election, challenging those questioning whether he is too old to govern Nigeria.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, addressed the issue during an interview with BBC Hausa published on Friday, August 28, 2026.

The interviewer noted that Atiku would be nearly 80 by the time Nigerians vote and asked whether his age could affect his ability to provide effective leadership for four years.

Atiku, who referenced President Bola Tinubu’s age in his response, was corrected when he mistakenly suggested Tinubu was 90.

Atiku defends his fitness for presidency

Responding to the question, Atiku asked, “Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?”

The former vice president also rejected claims that he had become an obstacle to the opposition coalition, insisting that he was instrumental in bringing the group together.

Atiku said Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso were the two major opposition figures who had left the coalition, while maintaining that there was still room for them to work together before the 2027 election.

He said, “Nothing is impossible, by God’s grace.”

Atiku makes subsidy promise

Atiku also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of petrol subsidy removal, questioning how the savings had been spent.

He said, “Where is the money? Where did it go?”

The former vice president promised that if elected, he would restore the petrol subsidy and demand that anyone who had stolen the funds return the money.

He further defended his decision not to sign a peace accord involving opposition politicians, questioning why the incumbent government was excluded from the process.

Atiku’s comments come as political activities intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, with opposition parties and politicians continuing discussions over possible collaboration.