“I’m Fit To Govern” – Atiku Dismisses Age Concerns Ahead Of 2027 Poll

The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed concerns about his age ahead of the 2027 presidential election, asking critics whether he looks like someone who is approaching 80.

Atiku stated this in an interview with BBC Hausa published on Friday, while responding to concerns that his age could affect his ability to provide effective leadership if elected.

The former vice president was responding to a question on whether his age could affect his ability to provide effective and healthy leadership for four years if elected.

The interviewer noted that Atiku would be “almost or nearly 80 years old” by the time Nigerians vote in 2027 and asked what he would say to those who considered his age too advanced for the presidency.

Responding, Atiku referenced President Bola Tinubu’s age before challenging the premise of the question.

“You went and voted for someone who is 80, I mean 90 years old. How old is President Bola, 90?” he asked.

When the interviewer corrected him, saying Tinubu was not yet 80, Atiku responded, “Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?”

The exchange comes as Atiku intensifies preparations for the 2027 presidential election and seeks to rally opposition politicians behind a coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Atiku also rejected claims that he had become an obstacle to the opposition coalition, saying he was instrumental in bringing the group together.

“That is a baseless accusation levelled against me. I was actually the one who initiated the coalition. Nobody else…I, Atiku Abubakar, started it,” he said.

According to him, most of the politicians who started the coalition remained together, despite disagreements among some of the major opposition figures.

He identified NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as the two major opposition figures who had left the group.

“It was just Kwankwaso… he was with us at first, then he left,” Atiku said.

Asked about Obi, he added, “Yes, and also Peter Obi. It’s just them, but the rest of us are still here continuing our work.”