The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has said the 2027 presidential election will be his final attempt at the presidency, regardless of the outcome.
Atiku made this known during a Hausa-language interview on Wednesday, when he was asked whether he would seek the presidency again 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.
The former vice-president, who has contested the presidency several times, also called on Nigerians with Permanent Voter Cards to participate actively in the 2027 election.
He urged voters to not only cast their ballots but also remain at their polling units to monitor the counting and ensure their votes are properly recorded.
“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. That is the solution to the problems they are facing.
“After going out to vote, they should also stay, escort, and ensure that those votes are counted,” he said.
Atiku also dismissed concerns about his ability to govern Nigeria on health grounds, saying he remained fit to lead 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.
The ADC candidate also promised to restore the petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027.
Atiku questioned how the savings from the removal of the subsidy had been used, arguing that the funds were supposed to help address poverty and improve access to education.
“I did not oppose the removal of the oil subsidy, but where is the money? Where did it go? It was intended to reduce poverty and help children attend school. Where is the money now? It seems they are just stealing it,” Atiku said in Hausa.
“If elected, I will bring back the oil subsidy, and whoever stole the money must refund it.”
He said the removal of the subsidy could have produced positive results if the money saved had been channelled into security, education and other areas of national development.
“The government successfully removed the subsidy, but we do not know where the money went. If they had used the money for development, to solve security problems, for education, and to create opportunities for the youth, it would be different. If elected, I can remove the subsidy and use the money to do all these properly.”
