Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports making rounds that he was prepared to step aside for another presidential candidate in the 2027 Elections.
His Spokesman, Mr Paul Ibe, clarified in a statement that the viral video of the interview granted BBC Hausa Service had been misinterpreted.
In the interview with Alhaji Atiku said, he would abandon his 2027 presidential aspirations if a younger and dynamic Nigerian candidate wins the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election.
According to the statement: “Upon a comprehensive examination of both the video and transcripts of the interview—available in original Hausa and its English translation—it is clear that at no time did the former Vice President explicitly state, suggest, or imply any intention to step down for anyone.”
Atiku Abubakar explicitly stated that young individuals and other potential presidential candidates are welcome to join the race.
He emphasized that if a young candidate were to come forward through a competitive primary, he would wholeheartedly support them without hesitation.
It states further that “Interpretative journalism is a valid component of reporting, but taking interpretation to the level of misrepresentation is unacceptable and should not be supported”
Mr Ibe in the meantime that the statements linked to Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview were incorrect and did not accurately represent his actual words.