Senator Victor Umeh has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to consider stepping aside from presidential ambitions to allow younger leaders to take charge ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News, the lawmaker representing Anambra Central acknowledged Atiku’s long-standing role in Nigerian politics, noting that he has contested for the presidency repeatedly since 2003. However, he suggested that it may now be time for him to support emerging candidates instead of continuing to run.
Umeh said Atiku’s political experience remains important, but it would be more impactful if used to mentor and strengthen younger aspirants. He argued that any meaningful opposition to the current administration must be driven by fresh ideas and a new direction.
He added that serious contenders must offer Nigerians something fundamentally different in order to unseat an incumbent president unwilling to leave office. According to him, Atiku should begin to reconsider his repeated presidential bids to create space for younger politicians.
The remarks come as opposition groups, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), continue discussions and internal positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a related comment, Umeh defended Peter Obi’s recent visit to former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, describing it as a constructive political engagement rather than an act of desperation.
He rejected claims that Obi visited Amaechi to plead for support or withdrawal in his favor, calling such interpretations insulting and misleading. Umeh stressed that political dialogue between rivals is normal and necessary in a democracy.
He further noted that Obi was not alone during the visit, countering narratives suggesting a secret or personal negotiation.
Umeh maintained that Obi is not the type of politician who begs for political favors, and said even Amaechi understands this. He concluded that such meetings are part of broader efforts by opposition figures to build alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.
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