Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has criticised the decision of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to contest Nigeria’s next presidential election, arguing that the ADC presidential candidate is now too old for another presidential race.
Fayose made the comment during an appearance on TVC’s Politics Tonight on Tuesday, August 18, where he discussed the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former governor compared Atiku’s political situation with that of former United States President Joe Biden, who withdrew from the 2024 presidential race after initially seeking re-election.
According to Fayose, although Atiku remains a respected politician, he believes age could work against the former vice president in another presidential contest.
Fayose also suggested that the 2027 election could represent the final opportunity for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi to seek the presidency.
“Atiku is now really old. He’s a good man, but time has caught up with him. Atiku contesting an election is like calling Biden to come and contest again,” Fayose said.
He added that Tinubu, Atiku and Obi could all be contesting what may be their final presidential election.
Fayose also questioned the strength of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its structure across the country, particularly in Rivers State, where Atiku’s running mate, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, is expected to play a significant role.
The former Ekiti governor predicted that Amaechi could struggle to secure substantial political support in Rivers State, citing what he described as weaknesses within the ADC and the lack of a strong political structure for the party in the state.
“In Rivers State, during this election, Amaechi will have very little support. Even the party is not together,” he said.
Fayose further argued that many politicians associated with the ADC and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) were yet to establish strong grassroots structures ahead of the election.
“Nobody is connected to those parties yet,” he added.
Atiku, Tinubu and Obi are among the major political figures expected to remain central to discussions surrounding Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. The ADC has also attracted attention as opposition politicians explore possible alliances and platforms ahead of the poll.
Fayose’s comments come amid growing political realignments and debates over the age, experience, political structures and electoral strength of potential presidential contenders ahead of 2027.
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