Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has affirmed his determination to continue contesting for Nigeria’s presidency as long as his health allows. Speaking during an interview on the Hausa service of the Voice of America in Abuja, Atiku, 77, expressed his commitment to persist in his political aspirations, drawing inspiration from former American President Abraham Lincoln, who faced multiple defeats before eventually winning the presidency.
“Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy,” Atiku stated. He referenced Lincoln’s perseverance, saying, “Even the former US President Abraham Lincoln contested seven times before finally winning.”
Atiku, who served as Vice President under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections, losing to Muhammadu Buhari and incumbent President Bola Tinubu, respectively. Despite his age, Atiku, who will be 81 during the next presidential election in 2027, remains resolute in his ambition, emphasizing that his pursuit of the presidency will continue as long as his health permits.
Acknowledging the challenges within his party, Atiku noted, “Given the current state of the PDP, it is clear that a single-handed effort will not suffice to win the election. Strong support and collaboration with other parties are required.”
In a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service, Atiku expressed his willingness to support a candidate from the South-East if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to that region in 2027. “I have said repeatedly and I even said it before the 2023 general elections that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it. As long as it’s the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party. If the party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him,” he declared.
Atiku also addressed his recent meeting with Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, describing it as a “normal friendly meeting” among opposition leaders. He highlighted the importance of such interactions for Nigeria’s democracy and hinted at the possibility of a political merger to achieve common goals. “Yes, it’s very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible, and nothing can stop it if we wish to achieve that,” Atiku said.
Atiku’s unwavering commitment to his presidential aspirations underscores his belief in his political vision and his readiness to support party decisions and collaborate with other political entities for the greater good of Nigeria.
