ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he will withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if a younger and widely acceptable candidate emerges within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), his new political platform. Atiku emphasised that his participation in the 2027 race should not discourage younger aspirants from joining. “Being in the 2027 presidential race does not stop anyone from participating,” he said, urging young Nigerians to step forward and promising them his political support and mentorship. Atiku strongly criticised Tinubu’s 2023 decision to fully remove fuel subsidies, which he blamed for worsening poverty. “But President Tinubu’s decision to remove subsidy fully without plans to cushion the effect brought us this unprecedented pain, suffering and ultimately, poverty in this country.