Atiku Abubakar, a veteran politician and former Vice President, has reiterated his determination to seek the presidency, driven by an unshakeable belief in his vision for Nigeria, and will persist in his efforts until his health dictates otherwise.
The former Vice President found motivation in the against-all-odds story of Abraham Lincoln, who overcame multiple failed attempts to secure the American presidency, a powerful reminder that success often requires unwavering resolve.
“Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy,” Atiku said during an interview on the Hausa service of the Voice of America in Abuja.
Atiku Abubakar, a seasoned politician, has had the distinction of being the standard-bearer for the Peoples Democratic Party in two consecutive presidential contests, 2019 and 2023, a testament to his enduring influence and leadership appeal.
Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambitions were thwarted by two stalwarts of Nigerian politics, Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 and Bola Tinubu in 2023, a reflection of the high stakes and fierce competition that define the country’s political landscape.
Having served as the nation’s second-in-command during Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency from 1999 to 2007, Atiku Abubakar will mark a significant personal milestone in 2027, turning 81 just as the country prepares to elect its next leader.
Despite the age factor, the former vice president said he would “keep contesting” for the number one seat till his health permits.
“Even the former US President Abraham Lincoln contested seven times before finally winning,” he said.
“However, 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.”
Meanwhile, Atiku recently said that if in 2027, his party decides that it is the South-East’s turn and selects Peter Obi as its candidate, he will readily offer his support.
Read also: Atiku, Obi Too Desperate To Be Trusted With Power – APC
“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,” Atiku declared in a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service.
Replying to questions about the meeting with the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, Atiku said, “It’s just a normal friendly meeting that we often have, particularly among us in the opposition parties. Such meetings are healthy for Nigeria’s democracy and in the country’s interest.”
When asked about the potential for a merger, he responded positively, indicating that it was a distinct possibility. He suggested that a unified front could be formed to achieve a common purpose, and that nothing could stand in the way of this outcome if all parties were willing to work towards it.