Atiku dismisses rumours of withdrawal from 2027 presidential race

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has denied reports suggesting he has stepped down from the 2027 presidential race, describing the claims as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Monday, his media office said the reports alleging that he had quit active politics were part of a “coordinated disinformation campaign”.

The statement refuted claims that Abubakar held a meeting with stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) where he allegedly decided to step aside from politics.

It clarified that the former vice-president had not held any such meeting at the national level, noting that his only recent engagement with ADC stakeholders took place in Adamawa State.

The media office emphasised that a decision as significant as withdrawing from politics would not be communicated through rumours or unnamed sources but would be officially announced.

It further alleged that the false reports were being spread to create confusion, weaken his political momentum, and mislead the public. Abubakar’s team urged Nigerians and his supporters to disregard the reports entirely.

The former vice-president had previously dismissed similar claims in December 2025 that he intended to step down for younger candidates.

In January, he also maintained that no aspirant would withdraw from the ADC presidential ticket race, adding that all qualified contenders would be allowed to participate freely in the party’s selection process.