Adamawa lawmaker Muhammed Basil has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from partisan politics and serve as an elder statesman ahead of the 2027 elections
A member of the House of Representatives from Adamawa State, Muhammed Basil, has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from active partisan politics and assume the role of an elder statesman as Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 general elections.
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Basil, who represents Jada/Ganye/Toungo/Mayo-Belwa federal constituency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the call during an interview, saying it was time for younger politicians to take the lead.
He argued that Atiku’s age and long political journey made it more appropriate for him to serve as a national adviser rather than continue contesting elections.
“Whatever one does in life, there comes a time to step aside and give way to younger people, especially when age is no longer on your side,” Basil said.
The lawmaker described Atiku as a powerful and respected political figure whose experience would be better utilised as a guide and political compass for emerging leaders.
“When you look back and discover that many of those you once played politics with have left the scene, it is more honourable to take a bow and become a political compass for younger politicians,” he added.
Basil said Atiku had made notable contributions to Nigeria’s political development and suggested that exiting active politics at this stage would help preserve his legacy.
“There is diminishing return in everything. Age moves faster, and when people around you begin to move to other camps, these are signs that you have reached a boiling point in life,” he said.
Atiku, a former vice-president, has contested Nigeria’s presidency six times — in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 — without success.
Despite repeated calls for him to step aside, he has indicated interest in the 2027 presidential race, promising economic recovery and national unity if elected.
Also read: Two Taraba Senators Defect from PDP to APC Ahead of 2027
The debate comes amid rising political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, including recent defections involving key political families and figures across party lines.
