‘Do I look 80?’ – Atiku defends fitness for 2027 race

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed concerns about his age ahead of the 2027 presidential election, insisting that he remains fit and healthy.

Atiku, who is 80 years old, made the statement while speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa.

Responding to questions about whether his age could affect his ability to serve as president, the former vice-president said he does not consider himself too old to seek the presidency.

“Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?” he asked the BBC Hausa interviewer.

He had been asked if his age would not affect his ability to provide effective leadership if elected.

The interviewer noted that Atiku would be “almost or nearly 80 years old” by the time Nigerians vote in 2027, and asked what he would say to those who considered him too old.

He responded: “You went and voted for someone who is 80, I mean 90 years old. How old is President Bola, 90?”

When the interviewer corrected him, saying Tinubu was not yet 80, Atiku responded, “Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?”

On opposition

Also, Atiku said it was wrong to claim he had become an obstacle to the opposition coalition.

“That is a baseless accusation levelled against me. I was actually the one who initiated the coalition. Nobody else. I, Atiku Abubakar, started it,” he said.

He added that Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, are the two major opposition figures who had left the group.

“It was just Kwankwaso… he was with us at first, then he left.

“Yes, and also Peter Obi. It’s just them, but the rest of us are still here continuing our work.”

Atiku expressed optimism that they would all still work together for the good of the country.

Follow Very Nigerian WhatsApp Channel
For Verified Breaking News, Exclusive Reports, Trending Stories, And Real-time Updates.
CLICk HERE TO JOIN!