Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has declared his unwavering commitment to vie for Nigeria’s presidency as long as he is alive and healthy.
Addressing concerns about potential misunderstandings with Peter Obi, he assured that there will be no issues between them and emphasized their collaboration for future elections.
Despite multiple unsuccessful attempts, the former vice-president remains determined, drawing inspiration from former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, who contested seven times before finally winning.
In an interview with the Hausa service of the Voice of America, Atiku reaffirmed his resolve: “Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy. Even the former US President Abraham Lincoln contested seven times before finally winning.”
Atiku, who will be 81 during Nigeria’s next general election in 2027, also addressed the current crisis within the PDP. He emphasized the need for unity and collaboration
within the party and with other political groups to secure a victory. “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,” he added.
Recently, Atiku revealed his ongoing discussions with Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, about a potential merger. He assured the public that there would be no misunderstandings between them. “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,” Atiku said. “Also, we are going to be behind anybody that will be chosen to represent us in the forthcoming elections.”
He expressed his openness to a candidate from the south-east if their parties agree on a merger, stating, “I have made it clear in my previous speeches that if our parties are going to merge to agree on a candidate from the south-east, as long as he is qualified, we will allow it.”
Atiku has made six attempts to become Nigeria’s President, in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. His political journey began with the Social Democratic Party presidential primaries in 1993, where he lost to Moshood Abiola. In 2007, he was the presidential candidate of the Action Congress, finishing third. He contested the PDP primaries in 2011, losing to President Goodluck Jonathan. After a brief stint with the All Progressives Congress, where he lost the 2015 primaries to Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku returned to the PDP and was its presidential candidate in 2019 and 2023, losing both times, the latter to President Bola Tinubu.
