ABUJA – October 2, 2025 – The media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong denial of reports claiming he intends to step down from the presidential race for another candidate, describing such insinuations as “false” and “inaccurate.”

The rebuttal, signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, was prompted by what it termed “misrepresentations” of an interview Atiku granted to the BBC Hausa Service.

According to the statement, a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview, in its original Hausa and in English translation, confirms that Atiku “at no point did expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone.”

The clarification outlines that the former Vice President’s actual comments were about the openness of the political process. He stated that young people and other prospective aspirants are free to contest, and he would readily support a young candidate who emerges through a competitive primary election.

While acknowledging “interpretative journalism,” the statement condemned “stretching interpretation to the point of mischief,” calling it “unacceptable” and something that “must not be encouraged.”

“For the records, therefore, the insinuations attributed to the Waziri Adamowa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said,” the statement concluded.

The denial seeks to quell speculation and reaffirm Atiku Abubakar’s position in the upcoming political contest.