Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s declaration that he will not contest the presidency again if he loses the 2027 election has triggered mixed reactions among Nigerians on social media.
Key Highlights
- Atiku makes final-bid declaration: Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said he will not contest for president again if he loses the 2027 election.
- ADC presidential candidate: Atiku is currently the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
- Opposition coalition debate revived: The statement has renewed discussions about whether opposition figures should unite behind a single candidate.
- Peter Obi alliance discussions continue: Atiku had earlier indicated his willingness to support any candidate chosen by the opposition coalition, including Peter Obi.
- Mixed reactions on social media: Nigerians expressed differing views, with some supporting his right to contest and others urging him to retire from presidential politics.
Atiku, who is now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reportedly made the declaration while speaking about his plans for the 2027 presidential election.
The statement comes amid growing efforts by opposition groups to build a formidable political force against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
It has also reignited the debate over whether opposition figures, particularly Atiku and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, should unite behind a single candidate to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Earlier in April, Atiku said he was prepared to step aside for whoever emerged as the opposition coalition’s candidate, including Obi.
However, his latest declaration that he would not contest again if defeated in 2027 has generated different interpretations, with some describing it as an indication that the election could be his final presidential bid.
The statement has also attracted criticism from Nigerians who believe Atiku should voluntarily step aside before the election rather than promise not to contest again only if he loses.
Some supporters, however, argued that Atiku has every right to contest and allow the democratic process to determine who emerges as the opposition candidate.
Reacting to the declaration on X, some users questioned whether Atiku would truly leave presidential politics if he loses the 2027 election.
@OurAreaDotCom wrote: “We don’t believe you Sir. Na today? Nigerian politicians only retire when they are ‘Late’. Otherwise, dey die dia! You might not contest for the president but you go contest for senate, house of representatives o anything that will still ensure the loot continues! Story for the gods!”
@Offsidespo13 said Atiku should consider retirement, arguing that he has already reached an advanced age.
He wrote: “Atiku should go and rest. It’s not a must that he becomes the number citizen of this great Nation. He is 80, for crying out loud. Man should be resting and enjoying retirement but hell no, he wants to contest again for no just cause, even when it’s not the turn of the north.”
Another user, @Ogadimw, criticised Atiku over his repeated presidential bids, saying: “It’s certain that you will lose and your name will be remembered as one of the most greedy politicians from the North. Your tears in 2027 will flow like rain.”
Read also:
- Stop Using Atiku As Election-Year Scapegoat Every 4 Years, Timi Frank Replies Obasanjo
- 2027 Election: Oborevwori Urges Delta Religious Leaders to Support Tinubu’s Re-Election Bid
- Tinubu Joins US Request for 10-Day Extension in Legal Battle Over Drug Investigation Records
However, @MUanyan defended Atiku’s position, noting that he had previously indicated that the 2027 election would be his final attempt.
The user wrote: “He has made it clear before that this is his last attempt. It is now left for Nigerians to decide whether to choose him or another candidate in 2027.”
Atiku’s declaration is likely to fuel further debate as the ADC and other opposition groups work towards determining their strategy for the 2027 presidential election.
With the opposition coalition still weighing its options, attention will remain focused on whether Atiku will emerge as its presidential candidate or whether the political alliance will rally behind another contender.
For now, Atiku’s message has added another layer to an already heated 2027 political debate, with Nigerians sharply divided over whether the former vice-president should make another attempt at the presidency.
