2027 Showdown: Atiku Vows to Unveil Explosive Evidence of Tinubu's Age
Atiku Abubakar, the ADC's 2027 presidential candidate, has controversially claimed President Bola Tinubu is 90 years old and unwell, asserting he possesses evidence to prove it. Despite official records indicating Tinubu is 74, Atiku defended his own renewed presidential bid, citing his health and competence, while also criticizing the government's handling of national insecurity. The claims have ignited widespread debate and reactions across Nigeria.
Former Vice-President and 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has sparked controversy by claiming that President Bola Tinubu is 90 years old and unwell. Atiku made this assertion during an interview with the BBC, published on Friday, stating he possesses evidence to support his claim and intends to present it in court. This directly contradicts official records which indicate President Tinubu was born on March 29, 1952, making him 74 years old as of August.
Responding to questions about his own age and decision to contest the 2027 presidential election, Atiku defended his renewed ambition, emphasizing his health and capability to lead. He stated, “You have a President who is 90 years old now and sick. I am healthy; I am strong. So why would I not make my services available to my fellow countrymen?” He reiterated his constitutional right to contest, highlighting his experience, competence, and patriotism, and recalled being disqualified by military authorities during previous bids for governor.
Atiku, who served as vice-president from 1999 to 2007, previously contested presidential elections in 2019 and 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner before joining the ADC for the upcoming 2027 election. Beyond age-related allegations, he also addressed the critical issue of insecurity in Nigeria. He attributed the pervasive insecurity to what he described as government irresponsibility and inadequate attention to defence and policing, recalling past concerns he raised while in office regarding the low number of police officers relative to the population. Atiku expressed confidence that an administration led by him could bring insurgency and insecurity under control within one year.
Atiku’s claims regarding President Tinubu’s age have generated significant reactions. The BBC interviewer challenged his assertion, and on social media platforms like X, Nigerians expressed diverse views. Some users dismissed the claim as desperation and an attempt to score cheap political points, questioning its credibility. For example, @AfolabiBB called it “not a political argument; it is desperation,” while @Onsogbu described it as a “very foolish desperate move.” Other comments ranged from support for Atiku to direct accusations of lying, reflecting the polarized nature of the debate.