Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday debunked reports purporting his readiness to step down for another presidential aspirant.
His spokesperson, Paul Ibe, claimed in a statement on Tuesday that the former vice president’s remarks were misinterpreted.
In a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Atiku Abubakar stated that if a younger and more energetic Nigerian wins the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary, he will abandon his plans to run for president in 2027.
However in a statement signed by his spokesperson, the former vice president has debunked those claims.
The statement reads, “It has become necessary to clarify certain misrepresentations arising from the reportage of an interview granted by His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, to the BBC Hausa Service by some sections of the media,” Ibe said on behalf of his principal.
“After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview – in the original Hausa and the English translation – it is evident that at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone.
“What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest.
“He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without any hesitation.
“While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged.
Major opposition figures have embraced the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform to overthrow the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Atiku Abubakar is anticipated to run on the party’s presidential ticket.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
