2027: Atiku Fires Back at Age Critics, Asks ‘Do I Look 80?’

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed concerns about his age ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate also challenged Nigerians questioning whether he is still fit to lead the country.

According to daily post,Atiku spoke during an interview with BBC Hausa published on Friday. The discussion focused on whether his age could affect his ability to provide effective leadership if elected president.

The interviewer pointed out that Atiku would be almost 80 by the time Nigerians vote in 2027. He then asked how the former vice president would respond to those who believe his age is too advanced for the presidency. Atiku responded by referring to President Bola Tinubu’s age.

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

The interviewer corrected him and noted that Tinubu was not yet 80. Atiku then fired back with a question of his own.

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

The exchange comes as Atiku steps up his campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The former vice president is also pushing an opposition coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku rejected claims that he has become an obstacle to the opposition alliance. He instead claimed that he played a major role in bringing the coalition 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 Atiku, most of the politicians who helped form the coalition remain committed to the project. However, he acknowledged that some major opposition figures have moved away from the group.

He specifically mentioned former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. Atiku, however, believes the door remains open for opposition leaders to reunite before the election.

“Nothing is impossible, by God’s grace,” he said. The ADC candidate also criticised the Federal Government over the removal of the petrol subsidy.

Atiku said he never opposed the decision to remove the subsidy. However, he questioned how the government has used the money saved from the policy.

“I did not oppose the removal of the oil subsidy, but where is the money? Where did it go?” he asked.

He argued that the savings should have helped reduce poverty and improve living conditions for Nigerians. Atiku has also promised to restore the petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027.

He said anyone found to have misappropriated the funds should be made to return the money. With the 2027 election drawing closer, Atiku’s comments highlight some of the major issues likely to shape the presidential race.

His age, the opposition coalition and the rising cost of living are expected to remain major talking points as political activities intensify.