Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has announced that the 2027 presidential election will mark his final attempt to lead Nigeria, bringing an end to a decades-long political ambition that dates back to the early 1990s.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, Atiku said unequivocally, “The 2027 election will be my last outing.”
Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007 under Olusegun Obasanjo, has remained a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape for over three decades. Since first contesting for the presidency in 1992, he has made multiple bids for the nation’s top office, positioning himself as a consistent advocate for economic reform, restructuring, and private sector-led growth.
Responding to concerns about his age and repeated attempts at the presidency, Atiku argued that Nigeria’s core challenge remains poor leadership. He maintained that his experience places him in a unique position to address the country’s challenges, describing himself as a bridge between Nigeria’s past and its future.
“I represent both the past and the future of Nigeria,” he said, emphasizing the need for tested leadership alongside fresh perspectives.
The former Vice President also stressed the importance of grooming the next generation of leaders. He called for structured leadership training for young Nigerians, noting that deliberate investment in youth development is critical to the country’s long-term stability and progress.
Atiku’s declaration sets the stage for what could be a defining final campaign, as Nigeria continues to grapple with economic and governance challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
