Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed his determination to continue contesting for the Nigerian presidency as long as his health allows.
Drawing inspiration from the perseverance of former US President Abraham Lincoln, who faced multiple electoral defeats before ultimately winning the White House, Atiku remains resolute in his pursuit of the nation’s highest office.
Despite facing losses in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections to Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu respectively, the 77-year-old statesman remains undeterred.
Having served as vice president under Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, Atiku is poised to contest again in 2027, when he will be 81 years old. Undaunted by his age, he reaffirms his commitment to vying for the presidency, fueled by his passion for Nigeria’s progress and his unwavering belief in the power of democracy.
“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.
“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.
“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.
Responding 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.”
On whether this will bring about a merger, he said, “Yes, it’s very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible, and nothing can stop it if we wish to achieve that.”
