Al-Mustapha declares Intention to run for president in 2027

Retired Major Hamza Al-Mustapha has announced that he will run for president in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Al-Mustapha said that unlike in the past, he is now fully committed to his presidential ambition.

He described his earlier attempts as trials but stated, “God willing, I only tested it, but this time I’m serious about running.”

Al-Mustapha, who was the Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, raised concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. According to him, election results in the past have often been written rather than properly counted.For this reason, he said he has started engaging with foreign countries and international observers to ensure that the upcoming elections are properly monitored.

He also ruled out joining any political alliance that goes against his personal beliefs and values. “If their ideology is different from ours, then I don’t want to be part of something shameful that would bring dishonor to the country with my involvement,” he said.

When asked if he would support another candidate such as Atiku Abubakar, he dismissed the idea. “There is no possibility of our paths crossing politically, so there’s no need for that question,” he responded.

Al-Mustapha previously contested the presidency in both 2019 and 2023 but was unsuccessful in those bids. This time, he insists, he is fully committed to the race.