Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting that he plans to step aside for another presidential aspirant, saying such claims are false and misleading.
Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, made this clarification in a statement on Thursday, October 2, 2025, following reactions to the BBC Hausa interview granted by the former Vice President.
According to Ibe, both the video and transcripts of the interview in Hausa and English were reviewed, and “at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone.”
He stressed that Atiku only spoke on the possibility of young people joining the race.
“What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest. He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without any hesitation,” the statement read.
Ibe criticized sections of the media for twisting Atiku’s words, saying: “While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged.”
2027: Atiku makes clarifications on alleged plan to step down for another candidate
