2027: I'll Contest For President If My Party, PDP, Deems Me Fit, Says ATIKU

From Abdul SULE (Abuja)

The race for 2027 Presidential election may have started as former Vice President, Atku Abubakar, has stated that he would contest for the presidency again in 2027 if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deems him fit to fly the ticket.

The PDP presidential standard bearer at the 2023 general elections also debunked allegations making the rounds that he would quit active politics ahead of 2027.

Atiku, who spoke with BBC recently on some national issues, admitted that it is too early to decide whether he would throw his hat in the presidency ring for the 2027 elections, adding that his recent meeting with the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, signals a possible build-up to the 2027 general elections.

Atiku also confirmed that the opposition parties may form an alliance ahead of the 2027 elections even as he could not provide details as to when they would seal the alliance.

He said: “We fiercely fought even the military governments let alone the civilian administrations. So, if you’re thinking otherwise, you might be dreaming. We would never retrace from fighting injustice and bad governance. I am not yet tired of the political activism."

"My active participation in politics and perennial contest for the nation’s highest public office do not in any way stop fresh blood from stepping into the fray and having their shots."

On whether his recent talks with topnotch politicians across the country might be a litmus test for eyeing up towards 2027 polls, he said: “We are in a democratic system and don’t forget that we are the ones who fought for its entrenchment.

"So, we are going to continue entrenching good governance and a sound democratic system. We would never fold our arms watching things deteriorating.”