Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed claims that he plans to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, describing the reports as false and misleading.
Atiku made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe.
The former Vice President clarified that his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service had been misrepresented by sections of the media.
According to Ibe, a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview, in the original Hausa and the English translation, showed that Atiku never stated, suggested, or implied that he intends to step down for anyone.
“What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest,” the statement explained.
“He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without any hesitation.”
The statement criticised what it described as “mischievous interpretations” of Atiku’s remarks, cautioning against stretching interpretative journalism beyond acceptable limits.
“For the records, therefore, the insinuations attributed to the Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said,” Ibe added.