Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has alleged that President Bola Tinubu is 90 years old, claiming he possesses evidence to substantiate this assertion and intends to present it in a court of law. Atiku made the statement during an interview, arguing that the president's alleged age and reported ill health reinforce the necessity of his own candidacy for the 2027 presidential election.
Atiku's Evidence Claim on Tinubu's Age
“I have evidence that Tinubu is 90 years old, and I will present it in court,” Atiku said, according to Legit.ng. He added that his own good health and energy make him an ideal candidate to serve Nigeria at this critical time. The former vice president's remarks come amid ongoing debates about the president's fitness for office, though no official documents have been publicly produced to verify either claim.
Atiku, who has contested multiple presidential elections, framed his persistence as a constitutional right rather than an unusual ambition. He drew a parallel with his earlier pursuit of the governorship, which he said he contested four times before military authorities repeatedly disqualified him despite his victories. He also recounted an attempt on his life that forced him into exile, stating, “I have never found anything easy in my life.”
Why Atiku Continues to Seek the Presidency
When pressed on his repeated bids, Atiku defended his ambitions by citing three core qualities: experience, competence, and patriotism. “Things are not going right,” he said. “I have the experience, I have the competence, I have the patriotism. So why would I not make all this available to the service of my country?” His remarks reflect a broader strategy of positioning himself as a seasoned alternative to the current administration.
Atiku's political journey has been marked by numerous attempts at the highest office. He was ratified as the candidate of the New Democratic Congress (NDC) on May 29, 2026, weeks after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on May 2, 2026. This latest bid comes after a series of electoral defeats, yet Atiku remains undeterred, emphasizing his resilience in the face of political challenges.
Atiku's One-Year Promise on Insecurity
Atiku attributed Nigeria's worsening security situation to what he called government irresponsibility and a failure to invest adequately in the country's defence capacity. He noted that Nigeria has fewer than 200,000 police officers for a population of over 200 million people, a figure he described as dangerously low. He contrasted this with Egypt, which he said has about one million officers on the streets despite a much smaller population of roughly 80 million, crediting that deployment with maintaining public order there.
If elected, Atiku promised measurable improvement within 12 months. “I believe within one year they should be able to see that, and believe me, within one year we can control this insurgency and insecurity that is all over the place,” he said. This pledge aligns with his earlier statements made in an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined plans to recruit more security personnel, improve equipment, and create jobs for unemployed youths.
Political Context and Next Steps
Atiku's latest comments come ahead of the 2027 general elections, where he is expected to be a major contender. His claims about Tinubu's age and health are likely to intensify political discourse, though no legal action has been announced yet. The former vice president's focus on insecurity reflects a key campaign issue, as Nigeria continues to grapple with insurgency and criminal activity across several regions.
As the election cycle progresses, Atiku's promises and allegations will be scrutinized by voters and political analysts alike. His commitment to presenting evidence in court suggests a legal dimension to his campaign strategy, potentially setting the stage for a contentious political season. The outcome of his bid will depend on his ability to convince Nigerians of his vision and capacity to deliver on his pledges.
