Atiku Rules Out 2031 Run, Calls 2027 His Final Race

African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has ruled out contesting the presidency in 2031, saying the 2027 election will be his final attempt.

Atiku stated this during an interview conducted in Hausa on Wednesday, while responding to a question on whether he would seek another presidential bid if he lost the 2027 election.

“No, I have said it before, right from this election, I will not contest again,” the former Vice President said.

Atiku, who has contested the presidency several times, urged Nigerians with Permanent Voter Cards to participate actively in the 2027 election.

He called on voters to not only cast their ballots but also remain at polling units to ensure their votes were properly counted.

“First of all, I appeal to those who have voter cards, for their own sake, their families, and their future, to go out and vote,” he said.

He added that voters should “stay, escort, and ensure that those votes are counted.”

The ADC candidate was also asked about his fitness to govern Nigeria, with Atiku insisting that he was healthy and capable of leading the country.

“No doctor has declared that I am unfit in terms of health. I know my body, I know I am healthy, and I do not have a single defect,” he said.

Reacting to the declaration, the ADC Vanguard described Atiku’s decision as significant, saying the 2027 election could represent the final chapter of his political journey.

The group noted that Atiku had spent decades in Nigerian politics and had contested, lost and returned to seek the presidency on several occasions.

Atiku's declaration effectively rules out a potential 2031 presidential bid if he loses the 2027 election, placing added significance on his current campaign for the presidency.