Atiku Abubakar has dismissed concerns about his age ahead of the 2027 election, asking critics, “Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80?”

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has dismissed concerns about his age ahead of the 2027 presidential election, challenging critics to consider whether he looks like a man approaching 80.

Atiku made the remarks 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 interviewer noted that Atiku would be “almost or nearly 80 years old” by the time Nigerians vote in 2027 and asked what he would tell those who believe he is too old to serve as president.

Atiku responded by referring to 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 that 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 steps up preparations for the 2027 presidential election and works to build support for an opposition coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku Defends Role in Opposition Coalition

Atiku also rejected claims that he has become an obstacle to efforts to unite opposition parties ahead of the election.

“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 the former vice president, most of the politicians involved in the formation of the coalition have remained together despite disagreements among some of its leading figures.

He identified New Nigeria Development (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as two major opposition figures who had left the group.

“It was just Kwankwaso… he was with us at first, then he left,” Atiku said. Asked about Obi, he added: “Yes, and also Peter Obi. It’s just them, but the rest of us are still here continuing our work.”

Despite the divisions, Atiku said he remained optimistic that the opposition figures could still work together before the 2027 election.

“Nothing is impossible, by God’s grace,” he said. “One day you’ll see… we have agreed to work together to save this country and its poor citizens, Insha Allah.”

Atiku Questions Use of Petrol Subsidy Savings

The ADC candidate also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the removal of the petrol subsidy, questioning how the savings from the policy have been used.

Atiku said he did not oppose the decision to remove the subsidy but argued that the resulting savings should have been directed towards reducing poverty, improving education, tackling insecurity and creating opportunities for young Nigerians.

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

“Where is the money now? It seems they are just stealing it,” Atiku alleged.

The comments add economic accountability to Atiku’s campaign message as he prepares for another presidential contest in 2027.

Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s vice president from 1999 to 2007, contested the presidency in 2019 and 2023. His latest campaign is taking place against the backdrop of efforts by opposition politicians to build a broader alliance capable of challenging the APC in the next election.