Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed concerns about his age ahead of the 2027 presidential election, challenging critics to judge whether he appears too old to lead Nigeria.
Atiku made the remarks in an interview with BBC Hausa published on Friday, following a question about whether his age could affect his ability to provide effective and healthy leadership throughout a four-year presidential term.
When the interviewer noted that he would be approaching 80 by the time Nigerians vote in 2027, Atiku referenced President Bola Tinubu’s age before turning the question back on his interviewer.
The former vice president asked whether he looked like someone who had reached 80, rejecting suggestions that his age should be used as a basis for questioning his capacity to govern.
The exchange comes as Atiku steps up his campaign for the 2027 presidential election and seeks to consolidate opposition support under the ADC.
He has also maintained that there remains room for opposition politicians, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, to work together before the election.
Atiku further defended his role in the opposition coalition, rejecting claims that he had become an obstacle to efforts to unite opposition forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said he was instrumental in initiating the coalition and expressed optimism that the various opposition groups could still reach an understanding ahead of the election.
The former vice president has also made economic hardship a major theme of his 2027 campaign, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy. He has pledged to restore the subsidy if elected, arguing that Nigerians have not adequately benefited from the savings generated by its removal.
Atiku’s latest comments are expected to fuel further debate over age, experience and leadership capacity as political parties and candidates intensify their campaigns ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
