Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting he may opt out of the 2027 presidential race, insisting he remains firmly in contention.

The clarification follows remarks attributed to Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, who represented Atiku at a political event in Lagos over the weekend. Olateju suggested that Atiku’s priority was building a better Nigeria, not necessarily becoming President at all costs.

Reacting through a telephone conversation with his media aide during the 2023 election, Prof. Tunde Olusunle, Atiku said the comments did not represent his position.

“I did not issue that statement. When people stand in for me, we preview my thoughts on the subject. In this case, there was no engagement with me to distill my views. Prof. Olateju was not speaking for me,” Atiku stated.

Reaffirming his resolve, Atiku declared: “I will run in 2027. Nigeria needs to be decisively rescued from the intensive care unit it has been consigned. The level of poverty, pain, anguish, and deceit is unacceptable. I will be offering myself to lead the reclamation and reconstruction of our traumatized homeland.”

Atiku also expressed confidence in the coalition being built around the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying it will galvanise mass support and deliver victory in 2027.

Dismissing concerns about ADC’s weak showing in recent bye-elections, he said: “A platform adopted only months ago cannot be expected to cause upsets immediately. ADC is leading a potent mass movement which will shock the world and upstage the status quo.”