Sequel to the news making rounds that a key member of the opposition coalition, African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has given a condition to step aside for a younger presidential candidate in 2027.

The former Vice President has denied that Atiku expressed his willingness to abandon his presidential ambition for a younger, more vibrant, and acceptable candidate under the ADC.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, Atiku denied making such a statement.

‘It has become necessary to clarify certain misrepresentations arising from the reportage of an interview granted by His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, to the BBC Hausa Service by some sections of the media’.

‘After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview – in the original Hausa and the English translation – it is evident that at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone. ‘

‘What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest. He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without any hesitation.

While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged.

For the record, therefore, the insinuations attributed to the Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said.