Speculation is mounting over whether former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will once again join Nigeria?s presidential race in 2027. But unlike some of his contemporaries, the Wazirin Adamawa has remained cautious, carefully avoiding any definitive statement about his intentions.

While other leaders in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, such as Labour Party?s 2023 candidate Peter Obi and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, have openly indicated interest in contesting, even pledging to serve only a single term under a North-South zoning arrangement, Atiku has remained non-committal. This posture has unsettled some coalition members, with groups like Obi?s Obidient Movement alleging that the alliance was engineered to pave the way for an Atiku presidency. The ADC leadership, however, has denied such claims, insisting that all aspirants will be treated equally in the race for its ticket.

The speculation intensified on Thursday after reports quoting Atiku?s BBC Hausa interview suggested he had declared his intention to support a younger candidate, effectively ruling himself out of the race. The interpretation caused a stir across political circles, with many reading it as a signal that Atiku might finally be stepping aside.

But a closer look at the interview revealed a more nuanced position. Asked directly whether he would contest in 2027, Atiku responded that it was ?not yet time? to make such a declaration.

?It?s not yet time. When the time comes, I will decide. What we are doing is for the good of the nation,? he said.

?If a younger candidate defeats me, I will concede and wholeheartedly support and guide him. Our political party is gathering momentum. Our main focus is to give pride of place to youths and women,? he added.

Atiku further urged young Nigerians to participate actively in politics, stressing that the coalition is prioritizing youth and women in its structure.

However, as the reports gained traction on social media with the slant that Atiku had decided to back a younger candidate, his media office issued a rebuttal. His spokesman, Paul Ibe, said the BBC Hausa interview had been taken out of context and misrepresented.

?It has become necessary to clarify certain misrepresentations arising from the reportage of an interview granted by His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, to the BBC Hausa Service by some sections of the media,? Ibe said.

?After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts ? in the original Hausa and the English translation ? it is evident that at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or imply that he intends to step down for anyone.?

Ibe stressed that Atiku only made the point that young people and other aspirants are free to contest, and that if a younger candidate emerged through competitive primaries, Atiku would respect the outcome and support such a candidate.

?While interpretative journalism is legitimate, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable,? Ibe added. ?The insinuations attributed to the Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said.?

In a subsequent interview with Trust TV, Ibe went further, explaining that Atiku is deliberately holding back from an early declaration because his focus is on building a viable political platform.

?Atiku Abubakar will not fall for that bait,? he said. ?The real work now is putting structures in place so that when the tsunami begins, the platform will be ready to carry everyone who will align and realign.?

According to him, Atiku has already pitched his tent firmly with the ADC coalition, attending meetings alongside Peter Obi and former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai.

?His resignation from the PDP and alignment with the ADC are irreversible. He has no reservations. He is in full support with his body, soul, and resources,? Ibe said.

On Atiku?s wealth, zoning and leadership debate

Ibe also addressed questions about Atiku?s personal wealth and longstanding controversies, insisting that the former vice president was already a billionaire before 1999.

?Atiku single-handedly bought the Wadata Plaza for the PDP. That was how wealthy he was before entering government. There is nothing wrong with being wealthy, and his money was legitimate,? he explained.

On the recurring debate over zoning, Ibe dismissed it as increasingly irrelevant to Nigerians? priorities.

?The internal polls we have done show Nigerians don?t care where the next president comes from. They are more concerned with credible leadership. People are struggling to survive. They want someone with the right skills, not tribe or tongue,? he said.

He also criticized President Bola Tinubu?s administration, accusing it of favouring a privileged elite at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.

?Average Nigerians cannot be asked to tighten their belts while leaders live in affluence and steal the country blind. These policies are only working for the urban bandits, not the rest of Nigerians,? he said.

Ibe described Atiku as one of Nigeria?s most consistent politicians, pointing out that he has won most party primaries he has contested, except in 2014 when Muhammadu Buhari defeated him.

?As a democrat, Atiku?s policy is the more the merrier. He will never block anyone who feels they have something to offer. Let everyone go to the field and test their popularity,? he said.

On the timing of his formal declaration, Ibe compared it to serving a meal at the right moment: ?When do you serve a meal? You serve it when it is ready.?

?Nigerians want credible leadership?

Reiterating his earlier point, Ibe said Nigerians are not focused on a candidate?s origin but on competence and results when asked if Atiku was not worried that he might be the only major northern aspirant in a poll believed to favour a southern candidate.

?All the average Nigerian wants is good leadership. This administration has failed and cannot get a second term based on its record. Anyone who feels popular should go to the field with Atiku and test that popularity ? that is what democracy is about,? he said.

He dismissed suggestions that Atiku would willingly step down for a younger aspirant, arguing that it contradicts democratic principles.

Asked if that was not contradictory to how Atiku himself emerged as the 2023 presidential candidate of the People?s Democratic Party (PDP) when former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, stepped down for him during the 2022 PDP primaries, Ibe described that as a different scenario, shaped by internal party negotiations, not outright stepping down.

Taking on the Tinubu government

While still taking on the current government, Ibe said, ?We cannot ask Nigerians to tighten their belts while leaders live in affluence and steal the country blind. It may work for them, but it is not working for the rest of Nigerians. This is not what Nigerians want, and it is not acceptable.?

He also portrayed Atiku as a broad-minded and tolerant politician, recalling his role during the Obasanjo administration in attracting some of the brightest technocrats into government.

?Who can be more broad-minded than Atiku Abubakar? He is an open book. He?s very tolerant, very passionate about Nigeria. He respects people, loves bright minds, and during the Obasanjo era, he brought some of the best talents into government,? he said.

On speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan might enter the 2027 race, Ibe said Atiku would welcome competition.

?As a democrat, Atiku?s policy is the more the merrier. Everyone should go to the field and test their popularity. These narratives and shenanigans are the handiwork of the Tinubu administration, which knows how difficult re-election will be given its record. Their policies only work for the urban bandits,? he said. (Daily Trust)

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