ATIKU SHRUGS OFF AGE DEBATE, INSISTS HE IS FIT FOR 2027 PRESIDENCY

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed concerns over his age ahead of the 2027 presidential election, challenging critics to judge his appearance and capacity rather than focus solely on his age.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, made the remarks during an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday while responding to questions about whether his age could affect his ability to provide effective leadership if elected.

The interviewer pointed out that Atiku would be approaching 80 by the time Nigerians vote in 2027 and asked how he intended to address concerns that he might be too old to effectively govern the country for four years.

In response, the former vice president referred to President Bola Tinubu’s age before questioning the basis of the concerns surrounding his own age. He then asked, “Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?”

Atiku’s comments come as he intensifies preparations for the 2027 presidential election and continues efforts to build an opposition coalition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The former vice president also rejected suggestions that he had become an obstacle to the opposition coalition, insisting that he played a major role in bringing the group together.

According to Atiku, he was the one who initiated the coalition and most of the politicians involved at the beginning remain committed to the alliance despite disagreements among some of the major opposition figures.

He identified Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as two prominent opposition politicians who had moved away from the coalition, but maintained that there remained room for the various political forces to work together before the 2027 election.

Atiku said he remained optimistic that the opposition could overcome its differences, stressing that there was still time for discussions and possible reconciliation among the various political groups.

The former vice president’s comments have added another dimension to the growing political debate over age, experience and the capacity of presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 election.

While critics have continued to question whether older politicians should seek the presidency, Atiku has maintained that his physical appearance, experience and ability to govern should be considered alongside his age.

With political activities ahead of the 2027 election gaining momentum, Atiku is expected to continue his campaign to consolidate opposition support while defending his suitability for the presidency.