Former Vice President and 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has claimed he possesses evidence showing President Bola Tinubu is 90 years old, asserting he is prepared to present the proof in court if necessary. Atiku made the assertions during a BBC interview, using the claim to defend his own repeated presidential bids and address questions surrounding age and leadership.
Atiku Defends Presidential Ambition Amid Age Claims
Atiku maintained that his physical fitness, experience, competence, and patriotism fully qualify him for the presidency, noting that his ambition remains a constitutional right. He contrasted his condition with that of the President, stating, "You have a President who is 90 years old now and sick, and I am healthy and strong. So why won't I make myself available to serve my country?"
He further emphasized his readiness to substantiate his claim, saying, "You went and voted for someone who is 90 years old. I have evidence that President Tinubu is 90 years old and I will present it in court." The ADC candidate did not provide additional details about the nature of the evidence during the interview.
Security Crisis Pledge Under Scrutiny
Turning to national security, Atiku attributed Nigeria’s ongoing challenges to the government’s "irresponsibility, particularly regarding defense funding and police personnel ratios." He argued that these factors have contributed to the persistent insecurity affecting various parts of the country.
He pledged that if elected, his administration would "bring the country's security crisis under control within one year of taking office." The former Vice President did not elaborate on the specific strategies or resources required to achieve this timeline, but he reiterated his confidence in his ability to address the nation's challenges.
Political Context and Reactions
Atiku's remarks come as he prepares for another presidential run, his sixth attempt at the nation's highest office. His claims about President Tinubu's age are likely to spark debate among political observers and the public, though no official response from the presidency has been reported yet.
The interview underscores the ongoing rivalry between Atiku and Tinubu, with the former Vice President positioning himself as a viable alternative ahead of the 2027 elections. As the political season unfolds, Atiku's assertions are expected to remain a topic of discussion, with legal and political implications yet to be fully explored.
