Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the 2027 presidential election may be his final attempt to become Nigeria’s leader, citing his age and the high stakes of the contest.
Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, made the comment during an interview on Arise TV Interview on Wednesday evening.
Responding to a question on whether turning 80 by 2027 would affect his decision to run again, the former vice president said the next election would likely be his last outing in the presidential race.
“Certainly yes, because the stakes are higher and I believe that will be my last outing,” he said.
Atiku has been one of Nigeria’s most persistent presidential contenders, with attempts spanning several decades and political platforms.
His journey began in 1993 when he contested the presidential primaries of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he stepped down for the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, who won the historic election later annulled by the military government.
Since then, Atiku has remained a key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, often switching platforms in pursuit of his presidential ambition.
In 2007, he ran on the platform of the Action Congress, losing to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He tried again in 2011 under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), but was defeated by then-incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.
After rejoining the Peoples Democratic Party, he contested the 2019 presidential election but lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Most recently, in 2023, Atiku again emerged as the PDP presidential candidate but lost to President Bola Tinubu.
Over the years, Atiku has consistently positioned himself as a strong advocate of economic reform, restructuring, and private sector-led growth.
He has often argued that Nigeria’s economy should be driven more by private investment, reduced government control, and expanded opportunities for businesses.
Supporters say his experience in both public office and business makes him a strong voice in national economic debates, while critics argue that repeated attempts at the presidency raise questions about political renewal.
Although the 2027 general election is still more than a year away, political activities and alignments have already begun quietly across major parties.
The ruling APC and opposition parties, including the PDP and Labour Party, are already holding discussions, forming alliances, and positioning key figures ahead of the next election cycle.
Atiku’s latest comment is expected to further shape conversations within opposition circles, especially within the PDP, where questions about leadership succession and future candidates remain open.
While Atiku has not officially declared his 2027 candidacy, his remark that it may be his “last outing” has sparked renewed debate about his political future.
Nigeria’s political space has long been dominated by familiar faces, with calls growing in recent years for greater youth participation and generational change in leadership.
However, experienced politicians like Atiku continue to play major roles in shaping party structures and national discussions.
If Atiku contests again in 2027, it would mark his sixth presidential bid spanning over three decades — one of the longest-running presidential ambitions in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Whether or not he finally steps aside after 2027, his influence on Nigerian politics remains significant.
For now, his statement adds a new layer of anticipation to the already early build-up toward the next general election.