Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, says he has evidence that President Bola Tinubu is not younger than 90 years old.
But he dismissed concerns about his own age, challenging critics to say whether he looks like someone approaching 80.
Atiku made these claims during an interview with BBC Hausa, which was published on Friday.
He stressed that he could present the evidence in court if the need arises.
The former Vice President also defended his repeated presidential bids, citing his anti-military stance and past disqualifications as the reason for his persistence.
The ADC presidential flagbearer stressed his constitutional right to contest and his readiness to serve Nigeria, highlighting his experience, competence and patriotism as qualifications for the Presidency.
He equally attributed Nigeria’s insecurity to government irresponsibility, especially in defence and policing, promising to address the issues within one year of taking office.
The former vice president was asked whether his age could affect his ability to provide effective and healthy leadership for four years if elected president.
According to the interviewer, Atiku would be “almost or nearly 80 years old” by the time Nigerians vote in 2027, asking what he would say to those who consider his age too advanced for the presidency.
Atiku in his response, made reference to President Bola Tinubu’s age before challenging the premise of the question.
“You went and voted for someone who is 80, I mean 90 years old. How old is President Bola, 90?” he asked.
When the interviewer reminded him that Tinubu was not yet 80, Atiku replied, “Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?
“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?
“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 exchange comes as Atiku intensifies preparations for the 2027 presidential election and seeks to rally opposition politicians behind a coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The ADC presidential flagbearer also rejected claims that he had become an obstacle to the opposition coalition, saying he was instrumental in bringing the group together.
“That is a baseless accusation levelled against me. I was actually the one who initiated the coalition. Nobody else… I, Atiku Abubakar, started it,” he said.
He said that most of the politicians who started the coalition remained together despite disagreements among some major opposition figures.
He identified the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as the two major opposition figures who had left the group.
“It was just Kwankwaso… he was with us at first, then he left,” Atiku said.
Asked about Obi, he added, “Yes, and also Peter Obi. It’s just them, but the rest of us are still here continuing our work.”
But he said the possibility of opposition politicians working together before the 2027 election should not be ruled out.
He added, “Nothing is impossible, by God’s grace.
“One day you’ll see… we have agreed to work together to save this country and its poor citizens, Insha Allah.”
The former vice president also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the removal of the petrol subsidy, questioning how the savings from the policy had been spent.
“I did not oppose the removal of the oil subsidy, but where is the money? Where did it go?” Atiku asked.
According to him, such funds are supposed to be used to reduce poverty, improve education, tackle insecurity and create opportunities for young Nigerians.
“Where is the money now? It seems they are just stealing it,” he alleged.
Atiku also promised to restore the petrol subsidy if elected president and demanded that anyone who had stolen the funds refund them.
“If elected, I will bring back the oil subsidy, and whoever stole the money must refund it,” he said.
The ADC presidential flagbearer further argued that the subsidy could have been removed without causing the level of hardship currently experienced by Nigerians if the savings had been properly utilised.
