Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that the 2027 presidential election will be his final attempt to become president of Nigeria, saying he will not seek the office again if he loses the contest.
Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, made the statement during a Hausa-language interview on Wednesday. When asked whether he would contest again in 2031 if he failed to win in 2027, he gave a firm response that the 2027 election would be his last.
The declaration comes as Nigeria’s political parties begin preparations for the 2027 general election. Atiku is expected to face President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking another term, as well as other opposition figures seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Atiku has contested Nigeria’s presidency several times. His latest bid will be his second presidential contest under the ADC after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party and joining the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 election.
The former vice president also urged Nigerians who have Permanent Voter Cards to take the 2027 election seriously and participate in the democratic process. He has repeatedly argued that the country’s political future should be determined by voters rather than through political manoeuvring or court battles.
His decision to rule out another presidential bid after 2027 could also influence the debate over the future of the opposition movement. Atiku is among several senior politicians attempting to build a coalition capable of defeating Tinubu, but questions remain about whether the opposition can maintain unity ahead of the election.
Reactions to the announcement are likely to be mixed. Some of Atiku’s supporters may see the declaration as evidence that he is approaching the 2027 election as a final opportunity to achieve his long-standing presidential ambition. Others may question whether an opposition coalition can successfully unite around a candidate who has contested the presidency multiple times.
The declaration also gives Atiku’s 2027 campaign a sense of finality. If he loses the election, his decision would effectively close a political chapter that has seen him pursue Nigeria’s highest office repeatedly over several election cycles.
Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race is already attracting intense attention, with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and the impact of government reforms expected to dominate the campaign. The opposition’s ability to present a united alternative to Tinubu will also be closely watched as the election approaches.
For now, Atiku is focusing on 2027, presenting the election as his final opportunity to lead Nigeria. Whether that final bid will succeed remains in the hands of Nigerian voters when they go to the polls.
