Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central at the National Assembly, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step down from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

According to Umeh, Atiku has been running for president since the 2003, adding that it was time he gave way for younger candidates.

“He’s been running since 2003, and we respect him. He’s a very strong character and politician with influence. But there’s a time you will say, ‘Oh no, I’ve done it. Let me prop up other people.’ Those people are coming with ideas that will promote a change, which Nigerians are looking for,” he said.

The lawmaker emphasized that the primary factor in choosing the opposition’s candidate should be the hopes and expectations of ordinary Nigerians, not the personal ambitions of the aspirants. Umeh cautioned that ignoring public sentiment could have serious consequences against a firmly established ruling party.

“What is very critical at this stage is that they have to take a look at the ruling party they are trying to dislodge. That ruling party is entrenched, and the President that is in office is not making any pretences about it. He’s not in a hurry to go. And if you want to change, there must be something that is different that you will offer Nigerians,” he said.

He added that aspirants who remained fixated on personal ambition at the expense of public interest risked losing sight of what the opposition’s mission was ultimately about.

“They are not looking at or listening to what Nigerians want. Because if you are guided by what Nigerians want, it would be very easy for you to now say, ‘Okay, let me take this way or let me take this way’,” he said.