Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former vice president and perennial presidential candidate, has indicated that the 2027 election could be his final attempt to secure the country’s highest office. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, the 77-year-old veteran politician acknowledged that his age and the mounting challenges facing the nation might make the next race his last political outing.
“I believe that will be my last outing,” Mr. Atiku said, noting that the stakes for both himself and the country are higher than ever. His remarks come amid speculation over whether he will seek the presidency for a seventh time, following his most recent campaign as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) flagbearer in the 2023 general election.
Mr. Atiku’s political career spans decades, making him one of Nigeria’s most enduring opposition figures. He first contested for the presidency in 1993 under the Social Democratic Party but withdrew during the primaries in support of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, he has run for president six times—in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023—positioning himself as a reform-minded leader focused on economic restructuring and national unity.
Political analysts suggest that Mr. Atiku’s decision, if confirmed, could significantly reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. His candidacy has often served as a rallying point for anti-establishment forces, and his absence could open the field to younger contenders or shift alliances within the PDP and other political blocs.
Despite his long record in Nigerian politics, Mr. Atiku has yet to secure the presidency. His campaigns have frequently centered on promises to tackle corruption, diversify the economy, and strengthen democratic institutions. As the 2027 election cycle approaches, his potential departure from the race is likely to spark fresh debates about leadership renewal and the future direction of Nigeria’s opposition politics.
