Why 1,000 Former Lawmakers Back Tinubu For 2027 — But Atiku Abubakar’s Candidacy Faces a Reality Check
In a dramatic development that has dominated political headlines across Nigeria, more than 1,000 former federal and state lawmakers have formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The announcement — made at a high-profile summit of the National Forum of Former Legislators in Abuja — goes beyond a mere show of support. It reflects a broader push for constitutional reform, national unity, and a reinvigorated democratic process.
Yet this sweeping endorsement has exposed simmering tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape — particularly surrounding the potential candidacy Atiku Abubakar, who at 80 years old by 2027 has already publicly stated he will continue to contest so long as he remains healthy and alive. But the reaction from political insiders suggests that he may not willingly accept being sidelined in the race.
1,000 Ex-Legislators Rally Behind Tinubu — What This Means
On January 24, 2026, the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) convened in Abuja under the theme “National Unity and Nation Building: Beyond 2031.” In a communique read at the summit, the group announced its unanimous adoption of President Bola Tinubu as the sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Their declaration was not limited to mere political support. It included calls to:
Enshrine the principle of rotational presidency in the 1999 Constitution, ensuring future power transitions are fair and predictable across Nigeria’s regions.
Advocate for the presidency to return to the Northern region in 2031 after a full two terms under Tinubu.
Highlight the importance of national unity, democratic stability, and continued reforms that span infrastructure development, economic restructuring and social programs.
The gathering attracted some of Nigeria’s most influential political figures, including former Senate Presidents and speakers of the House of Representatives — a show of elite consensus rarely seen in recent Nigerian politics.
Supporters of the endorsement argue that Tinubu’s administration has progressed key national initiatives — from the Renewed Hope Agenda to expansive infrastructural investments — making him a strong candidate to complete a second term.
Why This Endorsement Issues a Larger Political Message
Political analysts believe the ex-lawmakers’ stance is strategic and symbolic.
🔹 It attempts to consolidate political power early — curtailing internal party challenges long before primaries begin.
🔹 It reinforces the idea of a “consensus candidate,” often used in Nigeria to project national unity and reduce fractious primary battles.
🔹 It signals intra-elite confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and a desire to maintain continuity amid Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.
Even within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), similar endorsements have emerged from the National Working Committee, governors and federal legislators endorsing Tinubu’s second term, reflecting the growing momentum behind his 2027 bid.
Atiku Abubakar and the Age Factor: Why This Matters
While the ex-lawmakers were finalizing their resolution in Abuja, Atiku Abubakar was once again making headlines with statements about the 2027 race.
Atiku — a seasoned politician and former Vice President — has publicly declared he will continue fighting for the presidency “as long as I remain alive and healthy.” In his own words, he draws inspiration from leaders like Abraham Lincoln who contested multiple times before achieving success.
Yet this stance is both politically and socially contentious.
• Age Becomes a Central Debate
By 2027, Atiku will be 80 years old, making him among the oldest potential presidential candidates in Nigeria’s history.
Several voices within Nigerian political circles have weighed in on this:
👉 Chief Bode George, a former PDP deputy national chairman, has publicly urged Atiku to step aside in favor of younger candidates or wait until 2031 — when he would be around 85 years old — for another run.
👉 Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has dismissed Atiku as a “spent force” and suggested Nigerians rejected him outright in the 2023 election — adding that his age makes his 2027 candidacy unviable.
🔹 These critiques reflect broader public and elite discomfort with aging leadership at a time when many Nigerians — especially the youth demographic — are calling for fresh faces and generational change in leadership.
Atiku’s Public Counter-Narrative
Despite the escalating skepticism, Atiku has not backed down. His campaign statements and interviews indicate:
✔ He still considers himself a viable contender if he maintains his health and political relevance.
✔ He emphasizes the constitutional right to contest — age is not a disqualifier if other legal criteria are met.
✔ In a recent interview, he signaled a willingness to accept defeat if a younger candidate wins his party’s primary — hinting at a more flexible internal strategy.
However, this pragmatism also suggests he knows age and internal party sentiment are significant hurdles he must navigate carefully.
The Broader Political Reality Check
The endorsement of Tinubu by over 1,000 former lawmakers is significant. But Nigerian elections are won in the field — not just among elites in Abuja. Civil society, youth movements, and grassroots mobilization will be critical in shaping the narrative come 2027.
Atiku’s remarks about continuing to contest underscore a deep-rooted personal ambition, but the political reality suggests that:
✔ Elite endorsements do not guarantee mass appeal.
✔ Age is increasingly a key talking point among voters and political actors alike.
✔ Internal party decisions — especially within the PDP and newly formed coalitions — could marginalize elderly aspirants in favor of younger leaders.
✔ Power rotation, regional equity, and generational change are shaping up to be central themes in the 2027 election cycle.
Conclusion: A Rift Between Political Endorsement and Electoral Reality
The massive show of support from former lawmakers for President Bola Tinubu highlights how political elites are trying to shape the narrative around the 2027 elections. But this elite consensus simultaneously throws a spotlight on the likely tension between political endorsements and real voter sentiment — especially in relation to age, continuity, and generational inclusion.
For Atiku Abubakar, who has openly stated his intentions to remain in the race, the challenge is formidable. While he has the constitutional right to vie again, many within his own party and the larger political ecosystem are urging that he step aside — not because of a lack of experience, but because the political, social and generational winds seem to have shifted.
Whether Atiku will accept being sidelined — or insist on contesting one last time — remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: age, public perception, and internal political pressure may play a bigger role than endorsements in shaping the outcome of the 2027 race.
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