The wife of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Titi Abubakar, has expressed confidence that Nigerians would eventually ask her husband to remain in office beyond his first term if he wins the 2027 presidential election.
Titi made the remarks while campaigning for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, saying she believed Nigerians would appreciate Atiku’s leadership after experiencing his approach to governance.
She reportedly said that if Atiku wins the presidency, Nigerians would “yearn” for him to continue for a second term after his first four years.
The comment adds another layer to the growing political conversation around the 2027 presidential election, in which Atiku is seeking to return to the ballot after previously contesting the presidency in 2019 and 2023.
‘He Understands Nigeria’s Problems’
Titi Abubakar has continued to campaign for her husband’s presidential ambition, portraying him as an experienced politician with an understanding of Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.
According to her, Atiku’s experience in government and his understanding of the country’s problems would position him to provide effective leadership if elected.
Her latest argument is essentially that Nigerians would judge Atiku by his performance in office rather than by campaign promises.
She suggested that after four years of what she described as effective leadership, Nigerians themselves would be the ones demanding continuity.
Atiku’s 2027 Bid
Atiku is the presidential candidate of the ADC and is among the major opposition figures preparing for the 2027 election.
The former Vice-President has been part of discussions around efforts to create a stronger opposition platform against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The opposition camp, however, continues to face questions over whether leading presidential contenders can agree on a single candidate.
Atiku and Peter Obi remain among the most prominent opposition figures linked to the 2027 contest, while other politicians, including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, have also been associated with presidential ambitions.
One-Term Promise
Titi’s comments are particularly notable because they come amid political discussions about the length of Atiku’s possible presidency.
Atiku has previously been reported as saying he would serve one term if elected under an arrangement intended to give younger political leaders an opportunity to take over.
Titi’s suggestion that Nigerians could later demand a second term introduces a different political argument: that electoral continuity should ultimately depend on public satisfaction with a president’s performance.
The comments are likely to become part of the wider debate as the 2027 campaign season gathers momentum.