Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said he will not contest for president again after the 2027 election, describing the race as his “last outing”.

He made the declaration during an interview on Arise News Channel, where he reflected on his long political career and repeated attempts to lead Africa’s most populous country.

“Certainly yes,” he said when asked if 2027 would be his final bid.

“Because the stakes are higher, because I believe that will be my last outing. So that’s incontrovertible.”

A final push after decades in politics

Atiku, who has contested multiple presidential elections across different political platforms, said his persistence is driven by what he sees as unfinished business.

The African Democratic Congress chieftain described his experience as a key strength in a country grappling with leadership challenges.

“I represent both the past and the future,” he said.

“We have seen various levels of leadership in the country, both young and old, and we’re experiencing them.”

Experience vs youth debate

Atiku argued that while younger leaders have taken up roles across Nigeria, expectations have not always been met.

“And I still believe that our expectations of the young leadership is below what we thought,” he said.

“They require experience and they require tutelage from the older generation.”

His comments come amid ongoing national debates about generational leadership and calls for younger politicians to take the reins.

Lessons from power

Atiku served as vice-president under Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, a period he says shaped his political philosophy.

“There was a lot I learned,” he said.

“I don’t think I could have learned what I learned being vice president outside that system.”

Criticism of governance and leadership

Responding to criticism that he represents Nigeria’s entrenched political elite, Atiku said governance problems are systemic rather than generational.

“We have had so many young governors in a number of states who have failed woefully when it comes to governance challenges,” he said.

He added that weak leadership structures and lack of mentorship have contributed to governance deficits across the country.

Why it matters

Atiku’s statement could reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 election.

As one of Nigeria’s most recognisable opposition figures, his decision to frame the race as a final bid may influence alliances, voter perception, and succession debates within opposition parties.

What’s next

Political analysts say attention will now turn to:

Coalition-building among opposition parties

The emergence of younger presidential aspirants

Voter sentiment on experience versus generational change

The 2027 election is expected to be a defining moment for Nigeria’s political direction.

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has approved a sweeping set of decisions affecting healthcare, education, and traditional institutions in Ondo State.

The measures include a 500-bed hospital expansion plan across multiple towns and the creation of a committee to review minimum wage implementation at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo.

Officials say the decisions are aimed at improving public services, stabilising tertiary institutions, and addressing growing healthcare demands.

Committee to review minimum wage at RUGIPO

The state government has set up a committee to review how the new minimum wage is being implemented at RUGIPO.

The panel, chaired by Budget Commissioner Olaolu Akindolire, will audit payroll data, identify gaps, and recommend a sustainable payment structure.

The move follows discussions between the government, the polytechnic’s management, and labour unions over payment harmonisation.

Authorities say the goal is to ensure fairness and long-term stability for both academic and non-academic staff.

Salary arrears cleared, rector confirmed

In a related move, the governor has approved the payment of three months’ outstanding salary arrears owed to RUGIPO workers.

The Commissioner for Education, Igbekele Ajibefun, said resolving the backlog was critical.

“Resolving the salary issues was necessary to stabilize the institution and restore confidence among academic and non-academic staff,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also confirmed Simeon Olorunwa Adegun as the substantive rector, after months in an acting role since October 2024.

500-bed hospital expansion across Ondo

The State Executive Council has also approved the construction of hospital facilities with a combined capacity of 500 beds.

Projects include:

100-bed hospitals in Ikare-Akoko, Ore, and Okitipupa

Additional specialist hospitals in Igbokoda and at the state level

50-bed hospitals in Irele and Igbokoda

“One-stop shop” general hospitals integrating lab, X-ray, pharmacy, and consultation services

Health Commissioner Banji Ajaka said the plan would improve access to care.

“The development is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare services across the state,” he said.

Mental health services expanded

The council also approved a new neuropsychiatric hospital and the upgrade of the existing facility in Akure.

Officials say the decision reflects rising mental health challenges and increasing cases of drug abuse.

Ajaka noted that current facilities are overstretched, with patients sometimes waiting months for admission.

Why it matters

The decisions highlight two pressing issues in the state:

Healthcare pressure: Growing population and mental health cases are straining facilities

Workers’ welfare: Salary delays and wage disputes have affected morale in public institutions

Experts say investments in healthcare infrastructure and timely salary payments can improve productivity and public trust.

Traditional institutions and governance

The council also approved several chieftaincy appointments and recognitions across local governments.

According to Information Commissioner Idowu Ajanaku, the decisions reflect broader governance efforts.

He added that the meeting marked the first Executive Council session of the year following the state’s 50th anniversary and one year of the current administration.

What’s next

The wage review committee is expected to submit recommendations after engaging stakeholders.

Meanwhile, implementation of hospital projects and facility upgrades is expected to begin in phases.

Observers say delivery timelines and funding will be key to measuring the impact of the initiatives.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of interfering in opposition politics and attempting to weaken rival parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Mr Eze alleged that the government was pursuing actions that could lead to a one-party system, a claim the presidency has not publicly responded to.

He called on Nigerians to remain “resolute” in opposing what he described as “undue interference” in the affairs of opposition parties.

“The efforts by the President to have a smooth sail in the 2027 election and return to power unchallenged will be strongly resisted,” Mr Eze said.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s democracy has historically relied on a multi-party system, with opposition parties playing a key role in accountability.

Allegations of political interference and bias in electoral processes could affect public trust, especially as the country prepares for another election cycle in 2027.

Concerns about the independence of institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have also been raised by opposition figures in recent months.

Claims of electoral bias

Chief Eze criticised the electoral body, accusing it of partisanship in interpreting court rulings.

He also praised recent protests by opposition figures and supporters, including prominent politicians, saying they reflected growing public concern.

“The leadership has continued to interpret pronouncements of courts in a manner deliberately skewed,” he said.

He further urged the ADC leadership, particularly in Lagos, to sustain ongoing protests for a longer period.

“This protest should not be a one or two days action but should be carried out on daily basis until Tinubu sees reasons to call himself to order,” he added.

Political tensions rising

Chief Eze called for unity among Nigerians and opposition groups, urging them to work together to challenge what he described as worsening economic hardship and governance concerns.

“Nigerians should unite… in this mission of rescuing our nation,” he said.

He also criticised comments by government officials who have dismissed the protests, saying such reactions fail to reflect public sentiment.

Industry and public perspectives

Political analysts say such statements reflect growing tensions between the ruling party and opposition groups.

Some experts argue that sustained protests could increase political engagement, while others warn they may deepen divisions if not managed peacefully.

Civil society organisations have repeatedly called for transparency, electoral reforms, and the protection of democratic institutions.

What’s next

As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, observers say the conduct of political actors, electoral bodies, and security agencies will be closely scrutinised.

Whether protests continue or evolve into broader political movements may shape the tone of the next election cycle.