Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that he is uncertain about running for the presidency in 2027,Daily Trust reports.
In an upcoming television interview on Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, exclusively obtained by Daily Trust, Atiku remarked that his candidacy would depend on the existence of a viable political platform, emphasizing that Nigeria has never been in greater need of experienced leadership.
Atiku, who has contested the presidency six times, recently announced a coalition of opposition leaders to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Speculation abounds regarding who will lead the coalition, with figures like Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai being considered. Reflecting on past political mergers, Atiku recalled how multiple candidates united behind one nominee in 2014, leading to victory.
He also agreed with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s assessment that Nigeria’s democracy is deteriorating, describing the situation as “very dire.” Expressing disappointment in the country’s leadership, he lamented that many former governors and senators have failed to improve governance.
Why Atiku Didn’t Pick Wike as Running Mate in 2023
Atiku addressed his decision not to select Nyesom Wike as his running mate in the 2023 election, a move some believe contributed to the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike later admitted to working against Atiku, delivering Rivers State to President Tinubu.
Defending his choice, Atiku recalled being criticized in 2019 for not consulting widely when he picked Peter Obi. To avoid similar criticism in 2023, he let the party decide, and a committee recommended three candidates: Ifeanyi Okowa, Wike, and Udom Emmanuel. He ultimately chose Okowa, as Wike was the second choice.
Why Abiola Chose Kingibe Over Atiku for June 12
Atiku also reflected on the 1993 presidential primaries of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he was instructed by his mentor, Shehu Yar’adua, to step down for Moshood Abiola. Initially, Abiola had agreed to choose Atiku as his running mate, but pressure from SDP governors led him to pick Babagana Kingibe instead.
According to Atiku, the governors, who had secured their positions under Kingibe’s leadership of the SDP, threatened to withdraw support if Abiola did not select him. Ultimately, Abiola took what he saw as a necessary political risk.
