2027: I’ll keep contesting for presidency – Atiku vows

In a spirited declaration, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has vowed to remain in the political arena as long as his health permits.

During an interview with the Hausa service of Voice of America in Abuja, Atiku emphatically stated, “I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy.” Drawing inspiration from history, he remarked, “Even former US President Abraham Lincoln contested seven times before finally winning.”

As the political landscape heats up for the 2027 elections, Atiku, who will be 81, emphasized the necessity of strong alliances and support from other parties, noting, “A single-handed effort will not suffice to win the election.”

Reflecting on his previous bids for the presidency—three times as a candidate in 2007, 2019, and 2023—Atiku finds solace in the perseverance of figures like Lincoln. Amidst ongoing speculation about forming coalitions, Atiku hinted at potential collaborations, notably with Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

Reassuring supporters about his alliance with Obi, Atiku stated, “This is to anybody that thinks there is going to be a misunderstanding between me and Obi, let me assure you that not even a small issue is going to happen between us. We are going to be behind anybody that will be chosen to represent us in the forthcoming elections.”

As the PDP grapples with internal challenges, Atiku’s message is clear: unity and strategic alliances are crucial for a victorious comeback in 2027.