The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed concerns over his age ahead of the 2027 presidential election, challenging critics to determine whether he looks like a man approaching 80.
Atiku spoke in an interview with BBC Hausa published on Friday while responding to questions about whether his age could affect his ability to provide effective leadership if elected.
The former vice president was asked if he would be physically and mentally capable of leading Nigeria effectively for a four-year term given his age.
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 consider his age too advanced for the presidency.
Responding, Atiku referenced President Bola Tinubu’s age before challenging the premise of the question.
“You went and voted for someone who is 80, I mean 90 years old. How old is President Bola, 90?” he asked.
When the interviewer corrected him, saying Tinubu was not yet 80, Atiku replied: “Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?”
The exchange comes as Atiku intensifies preparations for the 2027 presidential election and seeks to rally opposition politicians behind a coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku also rejected claims that he had become an obstacle to the opposition coalition, saying he was instrumental in bringing the group together.
“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.
According to him, most of the politicians who started the coalition remained together despite disagreements among some major opposition figures.
