President Bola Tinubu’s political adviser, Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, dismisses former vice president Atiku Abubakar’s stated intention to run for president in 2027, saying Atiku is “joking and kidding.” Speaking at an event organized by the Jigawa State Academics Forum, Masari argues that political power cannot be won through “desperation,” and that Atiku himself recognizes his ambition is not serious.

Masari frames the 2027 elections as a choice between continuing programmes associated with Tinubu’s administration and a return to opposition rule. He highlights areas he says the government is working on, including infrastructure development, economic diversification, security, and poverty reduction. The outlets also report that Masari links his position to claims that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the dominant party, and he commends the forum’s endorsement of Tinubu and Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi for another term.