Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed renewed allegations surrounding his past, insisting that attempts to recycle old controversies will not stop his bid for the presidency in 2027.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, accused political opponents of revisiting old allegations because they are unable to withstand scrutiny of their own records in government.
Atiku Fires Back At Critics
The former vice president’s comments came as fresh political attacks and petitions concerning his past resurfaced ahead of the 2027 election.
Atiku argued that similar allegations had previously been subjected to investigations and legal scrutiny without resulting in a criminal conviction against him.
He said the repeated use of the same allegations would not prevent him from pursuing his political ambition.
“The old script did not stop me then, and it will not stop me now,” Atiku said in his response to the renewed controversy.
Says Political Opponents Should Face Their Own Records
Atiku also accused his opponents of attempting to distract Nigerians from questions surrounding their own records in public office.
He maintained that political debates ahead of 2027 should focus on issues affecting Nigerians rather than what he described as recycled controversies.
The former vice president has positioned himself as an opposition candidate seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the next presidential election.
2027 Race Intensifies
The exchange comes as Nigeria’s political parties and major presidential contenders increasingly turn their attention towards the 2027 election.
Atiku’s ADC is part of the opposition political realignment taking place ahead of the poll, while President Tinubu’s APC is working to consolidate support for the president’s re-election.
The political environment has already produced increasingly heated exchanges over past records, economic policies and allegations involving leading political figures.
Atiku Remains Defiant
Despite the renewed allegations, Atiku said he would remain focused on his presidential ambition.
He challenged his opponents to scrutinise his record while also allowing Nigerians to assess the performance and history of every major contender.
The former vice president is expected to continue campaigning on issues including economic reform, energy costs, governance and institutional accountability as the 2027 election approaches.