General Abdulsalami Abubakar has questioned why elderly statesmen like Atiku Abubakar should continue to run for president instead of stepping into advisory and peacebuilding roles.
General Abdulsalami noted that he is in his 80s and that Atiku Abubakar is of a similar advanced age and argued that the heavy physical and mental demands of the presidency require younger, vibrant leaders—ideally in their 50s or 60s—rather than septuagenarians or octogenarians.
He suggested that figures of their stature should act as elder statesmen and support national peace initiatives, such as the National Peace Committee, instead of seeking high political office.
Despite his reservations, Abdulsalami acknowledged that running for office remains entirely within Atiku’s constitutional rights.
But Atiku Abubakar in his response has maintained that his age does not obstruct his capacity or vision to lead and rescue Nigeria from its current economic and systemic challenges.
Atiku has stated that his continued presence in the race does not prevent younger citizens from competing, and indicated that he views his upcoming run as his final attempt to vie for the presidency.
