Atiku’s Age Allegation Against President Tinubu
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, now the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the 2027 presidential election, has reignited a contentious debate over President Bola Tinubu’s age. In a recent interview with the BBC, Atiku asserted that he possesses evidence that President Tinubu is 90 years old and pledged to present this evidence in a court of law.
Atiku made these remarks while defending his own decision to run for the presidency again, arguing that his age and health should not be barriers to public service. He contrasted his condition with that of the president, stating, “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?”
When pressed on the basis for his claim, Atiku said, “I have evidence that he is [90], and I will present it in court.” He did not elaborate on the nature of this evidence or provide a timeline for any legal action.
Atiku’s Political Journey and Resilience
The ADC candidate’s comments came as he addressed questions about his suitability for the presidency, a role he has sought multiple times. Atiku framed his persistence as a hallmark of his career, noting that he has faced obstacles since his early days in politics.
He recounted his four attempts to become governor, each of which he said ended in disqualification by military authorities overseeing Nigeria’s transition to democracy. “I ran for governor four times, because at that position, the people who were in charge of Nigeria’s transition to democracy were military, and I was so anti-military. Any time I won, they would disqualify me. The last was when there was even an attempt on my life, and I went into exile,” he explained.
Atiku acknowledged that his path has never been smooth, saying, “I’ve never found anything easy in my life. There is nothing new there. So, because I’m contesting the presidency two or three times… I mean, that’s not anything unusual in my life — in my political life.”
Security Crisis and Government Responsibility
Beyond the age controversy, Atiku used the interview to address Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, attributing the crisis to what he called the “irresponsibility of government.” He argued that successive administrations have failed to invest adequately in defence and security, particularly given the country’s large population.
He recalled his time in office, saying, “I remember when we were in office, I told the president that, look, we are over 200 million people and yet we have less than 200,000 policemen.” Drawing a comparison with Egypt, he noted, “Egypt that has about 80 million had one million policemen on the streets. And therefore, there is peace there.”
Atiku expressed confidence that Nigeria’s security challenges could be addressed swiftly if the right measures were implemented. “Believe me, within one year, we can control this insurgency and insecurity that is all over the place,” he said.
Implications for the 2027 Election
As the 2027 general election approaches, Atiku’s claims add a new layer of tension to an already charged political landscape. His assertion about President Tinubu’s age, if pursued in court, could become a legal flashpoint, though the specifics of his evidence remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, his critique of the government’s security record resonates with voters who have grown weary of persistent violence and instability.
The ADC candidate’s willingness to contest again, despite his age and past setbacks, underscores his determination to remain a central figure in Nigerian politics. Whether his evidence will be tested in court, and how his security proposals will be received, are questions that will likely shape the coming months.
Source: “I have Evidence Tinubu Is 90-Years-Old, I’ll Present It In Court” – Atiku