Former Vice President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has defended his eligibility to contest the 2027 presidential election, insisting that age should not be used as a disqualifying factor in leadership selection.
Atiku made the remarks during an interview on Arise News, where he addressed growing public concerns about his age and suitability for another presidential bid.
The former Vice President, who is expected to be around 80 years old by the 2027 election cycle, said leadership capability should be judged by performance, competence, and experience rather than chronological age.
He argued that the presence of younger politicians in leadership positions has not automatically translated into better governance outcomes across several Nigerian states.
Atiku specifically pointed to what he described as poor governance performance by some young governors, saying their track records challenge the assumption that youthfulness guarantees effective leadership.
In his words, “2027: We have had so many young governors in a number of states who have failed woefully.”
He used the statement to reinforce his argument that experience remains a critical component in governing a complex country like Nigeria, where leadership requires deep institutional understanding and political maturity.
Atiku maintained that governance is not merely about energy or age but about the ability to manage national challenges, build consensus, and deliver development outcomes.
He further stated that he does not subscribe to the idea that political leadership should be automatically handed over to younger politicians without adequate preparation or mentorship.
According to him, effective leadership often requires a balance between experience and youthful energy, where older politicians provide guidance while younger ones learn and grow into leadership roles.
Atiku also acknowledged that the 2027 presidential election could represent his final attempt at Nigeria’s highest office, describing it as a highly significant moment in his political journey.
He said the stakes are particularly high for him, given his long-standing ambition to lead the country at the national level after several previous attempts.
