Former Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar, has officially announced his withdrawal from active politics, ending speculations surrounding a possible return ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The retired Air Marshal made the announcement on Sunday through a statement shared on his X handle, where he clarified that he no longer belongs to any political party and has no intention of contesting for any elective office in Nigeria.
Abubakar, who served as Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force before retiring in 2021, said his decision marks a complete exit from partisan political activities after participating in the 2023 governorship election in Bauchi State.
“I am no longer involved in partisan politics and will not be contesting for any political office,” the former military chief stated.
Sadique Abubakar Ends Political Career
After 2023 Bauchi Governorship Race
The former Air Force boss was the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Bauchi State during the 2023 elections.
He contested against incumbent Governor Bala Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party but was defeated in the keenly contested poll.
Following his defeat, political observers continued to speculate that Abubakar was preparing another governorship bid for 2027, especially after campaign posters bearing his image surfaced in several parts of Bauchi State in recent weeks.
However, his latest declaration appears to have put an end to those rumours and political calculations.
Former Chief of Air Staff Says He Will Serve Nigeria as Private Citizen
Despite stepping away from politics, Sadique Abubakar emphasized that he remains committed to contributing to Nigeria’s growth and development.
According to him, his service to the nation will continue outside the political arena as a private citizen dedicated to national progress.
The retired Air Marshal is widely respected for his years of military service and leadership within the Nigerian Air Force, where he played a major role in counter-insurgency operations and national security initiatives before his retirement.
Political Reactions Trail Sadique Abubakar’s Exit
Abubakar’s decision has already generated reactions among political stakeholders and supporters in Bauchi State, with many describing his exit as a significant development in the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Analysts believe his withdrawal could reshape calculations within both the APC and opposition parties in Bauchi State, especially considering his strong support base and influence in northern politics.
His announcement also comes at a time when discussions about alignments, defections, and fresh political strategies are gradually building momentum ahead of Nigeria’s next election cycle.