Atiku Affirms Persistent Pursuit of Presidency
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed his intention to persist in seeking Nigeria’s highest office as long as his health permits, drawing inspiration from the perseverance of former American President Abraham Lincoln, who contested numerous times before securing the presidency.
During an interview with the Hausa service of the Voice of America in Abuja, Atiku affirmed, “I will continue to contest as long as I am alive and in good health.” Despite setbacks in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections, where he lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari and incumbent President Bola Tinubu respectively, the 77-year-old remains undeterred.
Atiku, who served as vice president from 1999 to 2007, will be 81 during the next presidential election in 2027. Despite his age, he emphasized his determination to vie for the presidency, citing Lincoln’s example of perseverance.
Acknowledging the need for broader support beyond his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku highlighted the necessity for collaboration with other political entities for electoral success.
Looking ahead, Atiku affirmed his willingness to support a candidate from the South-East if the PDP decides to zone the presidency to that region in 2027. He pledged to respect the party’s decision and offered support to Peter Obi if chosen as the candidate.
Atiku clarified recent interactions with Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, stating that such meetings are routine among opposition figures and can contribute positively to Nigerian democracy. He also expressed openness to the possibility of a merger among opposition parties to achieve common objectives.
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