Atiku Abubakar Quashes Retirement Rumors, Accuses ‘Anti-Democratic Elements’ Of Attempting To Destabilize African Democratic Congress Ahead Of 2027

Former VP Atiku Abubakar labels retirement reports as "fake news," confirming he is still an active presidential aspirant within the ADC for the 2027 elections.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 30, 2026, 10:06 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Legit.ng

Deflecting Rumors Of Political Exit

Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President and a perennial fixture in the country’s democratic landscape, has moved to silence speculation regarding his political future. On Monday, March 30, 2026, his media office issued a stern rebuttal to viral social media claims suggesting he had decided to "step aside and retire" following a meeting with stakeholders. Atiku characterized these reports as the work of "anti-democratic elements" designed to create confusion within the opposition and dampen the momentum of his current political vehicle, the African Democratic Congress. The statement emphasized that any decision regarding his retirement would be communicated formally through his official media office, rather than through third-party fabrications.

Clarifying Recent Stakeholder Engagements

To set the record straight, the Waziri Adamawa’s media team provided context for his recent activities. While rumors pointed toward a national-level meeting where he allegedly announced his exit, his office clarified that the only recent engagement took place last Thursday with ADC stakeholders specifically from his home state, Adamawa. The statement underscored that an issue as fundamental as exiting active politics would never be handled through "faceless sources." By providing this specific timeline, Atiku’s team seeks to restore confidence among his supporters and maintain his standing as a viable contender for the 2027 presidential ticket.

Preparing For A Record-Breaking Seventh Attempt

At 79 years old, Atiku is currently navigating one of the most significant chapters of his long political career. Having been on the presidential ballot or contested primaries in at least six previous cycles, he is now setting his sights on a record seventh attempt at the presidency. This pursuit comes within a revitalized ADC, which has seen a surge in profile since 2025. His political history—marked by opposition to constitutional term extensions and regional religious law adoptions during his vice presidency—continues to serve as the foundation of his campaign narrative as he positions himself to challenge the incumbent administration.