The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, Atiku Abubakar, has touted his clean bill of health as a reason to continue running for president amid clamour for a younger candidate. The former vice-president also expressed concern about Nigerians voting for Bola Tinubu, whom he described as almost 90 years old and sick.
Mr Abubakar, who spoke to journalists on Wednesday at his Asokoro residence in Abuja, said that Mr Tinubu, at almost 90, was voted for despite his health challenges.
“I have never denied young people or anyone in Nigeria the opportunity to contest for president. Why did they choose Tinubu, who is almost 90 years old and is not in good health?” Mr Abubakar said.
In September 2022, a photograph of Mr Tinubu, presidential flag bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress, emerged in which he wore an inner device believed to be a catheter bag to pass urine, further raising questions about his frail health status ahead of the 2023 presidential election. Mr Tinubu’s media aide, Joe Igbokwe, released the photo in a desperate attempt to douse concerns about his health, including his absence from today’s peace accord signing in Abuja.
In February 2022, Peoples Gazette published a video of Mr Tinubu’s visit to the palace of Awujale of Ijebuland in Ijebu Ode that showed his flowing garment soaked from behind when he stood up to address visitors. One of his security aides could be seen frantically covering his nose in the video.
Mr Abubakar said he was healthy.
“No doctor has ever said that I’m unhealthy. I have been in Germany, England and Dubai. I do not even have diabetes,” Mr Abubakar asserted.
Speaking further, the former vice president said his party has more youths participating in politics than other political parties, adding that he has mentored several young people who are now governors and ministers.
“I have been in PDP, APC and now ADC. There is no party that has more youths than ADC. I brought several youths who are now governors, ministers and other things,” Mr Atiku stated.
When asked how he feels whenever he contests and loses, Mr Abubakar said that losing elections in Nigeria is never a surprise.
The former vice-president, who joined the ADC in November 2025, hinted that the 2027 presidential election could be his last attempt, saying age is against him in his bid for the presidency.
