Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, has said that he is not concerned about the politics of the 2027 elections.

Atiku spoke through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, in a statement on Thursday night.

Ibe said the former Vice President is preoccupied with recent happenings, especially in the hardship facing most Nigerians since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

This response follows recent comments by Bode George, the former deputy national chairman (south) of the PDP, who suggested that Atiku should consider retiring from active politics and wait until 2031 if he still aspires to the presidency.

Reacting to George’s remarks on Thursday, Ibe said that Atiku’s focus is on the present challenges facing Nigeria, not the politics of 2027.

“At this point, Atiku Abubakar’s preoccupation is not 2027. His concern is about 2024,” Ibe said.

“It is about 2025 and 2026 and beyond. His concern is about the plight of Nigerians who are literally going through hell because of the failed trial-and-error policies of this administration.”

Ibe further criticized the current administration, stressing that it is “insensitive” to discuss future elections when Nigerians are suffering under the current leadership.

He also urged George to focus on advising President Tinubu to reconsider policies that have worsened poverty and division in the country, rather than prioritizing the politics of 2027.