Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), has claimed that President Bola Tinubu is 90 years old and in poor health as he prepares to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections.
Atiku made the claims in two separate interviews in Hausa and English languages with the BBC released on Friday.
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“I have a president who is 90 years old now and who is sick. I am healthy; I am strong. So why would I not make my services available to my fellow countrymen?” Atiku said.
In the Hausa version of the interview, the anchor, Madina Maishanu, asked Atiku why he has persisted in running for president despite turning 80 by 2027. He responded, “Do I look like an 80-year-old man?”
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“Nigerians that voted for President Tinubu who is 90 did not bother about his age, why not me”, he added.
TheCable reported that in 2020, Atiku wished President Tinubu “happy 68th birthday” and offered him his best wishes.
In a post made at exactly 7:51am on March 29, 2020, Atiku, who was then the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), prayed for many more years for Tinubu in good health and strength.
“On behalf of my family, I wish you, @AsiwajuTinubu, a happy 68th birthday. I also pray many more years for you, in good health and strength. Best wishes. -AA,” Atiku wrote, tagging Tinubu.
Based on Atiku’s 2020 post, Mr Tinubu would be 74 years old in 2026. Mr Tinubu’s biography published on the APC website also lists the president’s date of birth as March 29, 1952.
However, in a dramatic U-turn Atiku claimed that Tinubu is 90 years old and said he has evidence to back up the claim, which he would present in court.
“I have evidence that he is (90), and I will present it in court.”
The presidency had not officially reacted to Atiku’s claim as of the time of filing this report.
Other issues discussed in the interviews
Atiku also criticised the approach taken by President Tinubu regarding the removal of the fuel subsidy, arguing that he would have handled the policy differently.
According to Atiku, his approach would have involved extensive consultation with experts to determine whether to phase out or retain the subsidy.
He faulted President Tinubu’s decision to execute a total removal overnight without consulting key stakeholders.
When asked whether he would reinstate the fuel subsidy if elected president, Atiku stated that any action would depend on the economic reality he inherits.
“Government policies are man-made and should always remain open to adjustment based on prevailing circumstances”, he said in the Hausa version.
Insecurity and coup in Niger Republic
Atiku stated that he would address Nigeria’s security challenges within his first year in office if he is elected president, by recruiting more security personnel and providing them with the needed equipment.
Also, Atiku pledged to invest billions of naira in youth empowerment initiatives, stating that the majority of those driven into criminal activities are young people lacking economic opportunities.
READ ALSO: Presidency faults Atiku’s proposal to reopen borders
Addressing the influx of criminal elements across Nigeria’s land borders, Atiku stated that his administration would pursue diplomatic engagement with Niger Republic and other Sahelian nations that recently exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He emphasised the need to bring these countries back into the fold and revive the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) to restore regional stability and security.
Criticicing the current administration’s foreign policy approach, Atiku questioned President Tinubu’s decision to sever ties with Niger Republic following its military coup.
“I see no reason why Nigeria should cut diplomatic relations with Niger Republic or push for their exit from ECOWAS simply because of a military intervention,” Atiku argued.
“What business do we have interfering in Niger’s internal affairs when we share a deep bond as one people?”
He reaffirmed his commitment to regional unity, promising to ensure that all member states that withdrew from ECOWAS return to the bloc during his presidency.
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