The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed concerns about his age ahead of the 2027 presidential election, challenging critics to say whether he looks like someone approaching 80.

Atiku spoke in an interview with BBC Hausa published on Friday while responding to concerns that his age could affect his ability to provide effective leadership if elected.

The former vice president was asked whether his age could affect his ability to provide effective and healthy leadership for four years if elected president.

The interviewer noted that Atiku would be “almost or nearly 80 years old” by the time Nigerians vote in 2027 and asked what he would say to those who consider his age too advanced for the presidency.

Responding, Atiku referenced President Bola Tinubu’s age before challenging the premise of the question.

“You went and voted for someone who is 80, I mean 90 years old. How old is President Bola, 90?” he asked.

When the interviewer corrected him, saying Tinubu was not yet 80, Atiku replied: “Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?”

The exchange comes as Atiku intensifies preparations for the 2027 presidential election and seeks to rally opposition politicians behind a coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku also rejected claims that he had become an obstacle to the opposition coalition, saying he was instrumental in bringing the group together.

“That is a baseless accusation levelled against me. I was actually the one who initiated the coalition. Nobody else… I, Atiku Abubakar, started it,” he said.

According to him, most of the politicians who started the coalition remained together despite disagreements among some major opposition figures.

He identified NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as the two major opposition figures who had left the group.

“It was just Kwankwaso… he was with us at first, then he left,” Atiku said.

Asked about Obi, he added: “Yes, and also Peter Obi. It’s just them, but the rest of us are still here continuing our work.”

Atiku, however, said there was still a possibility of opposition politicians working together before the 2027 election.

“Nothing is impossible, by God’s grace.

“One day you’ll see… we have agreed to work together to save this country and its poor citizens, Insha Allah,” he said.

The former vice president also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the removal of the petrol subsidy, questioning how the savings from the policy had been spent.

“I did not oppose the removal of the oil subsidy, but where is the money? Where did it go?” Atiku asked.

He said the funds were supposed to be used to reduce poverty, improve education, tackle insecurity and create opportunities for young Nigerians.

“Where is the money now? It seems they are just stealing it,” he alleged.

Atiku also promised to restore the petrol subsidy if elected president and demanded that anyone who had stolen the funds refund them.

“If elected, I will bring back the oil subsidy, and whoever stole the money must refund it,” he said.

He further argued that the subsidy could have been removed without causing the level of hardship currently experienced by Nigerians if the savings had been properly utilised.