Senator Victor Umeh has advised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to reconsider his 2027 presidential ambition and instead support younger politicians seeking leadership roles.
Umeh, who represents Anambra Central and is a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the call on Monday during an appearance on Prime Time, a programme on ARISE Television.
His remarks come days after Abubakar announced that the 2027 general election would be his final attempt at the presidency, while also stating that younger Nigerians should first gain experience under the guidance of older leaders.
Responding, Umeh said he had expected the former vice-president to begin mentoring a new generation rather than returning to the ballot.
“I was thinking he would be at the point where he would be considering leaving the stage for younger people, but he said he is contesting,” Umeh said.
Abubakar, a veteran politician, has pursued the presidency multiple times, having contested as a candidate in 2007, 2019 and 2023.
Umeh warned that continued ambition among leading opposition figures could weaken efforts to build a strong platform capable of challenging the ruling party.
“He has been running since 2003. We respect him — he is a strong politician with influence. But there is a time you say, ‘I’ve done it, let me prop up others,’” he added.
The senator cautioned that rivalry within the opposition could create divisions and undermine cohesion ahead of the next election cycle.
“If they go all out to wrestle, it may get to a point where some people will have a bloody nose, and the party will suffer,” he said.
On reports that Peter Obi recently met with Rotimi Amaechi to discuss a possible step-down arrangement, Umeh dismissed the claims.
He described the meeting as a routine consultation among political actors.
“This is a season for consultations. It is normal for people aspiring for the same office to talk to each other,” he said.
According to him, Obi’s visit was not aimed at negotiating withdrawal from the race, adding that such claims were a misrepresentation of events.
“Obi’s visit was a noble one with good intentions. They were not discussing stepping down,” Umeh stated.