Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said he will keep contesting for the presidency as long as his health permits him.
“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. The 77-year-old was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate during the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections.
He will be 81 during the next presidential election in 2027.
Despite his age, the former vice president insists he would “keep contesting” for the number one seat till his health permits, adding that he was inspired by the story of former American President, Abraham Lincoln, who contested many times before he won the US presidential elections.
He however said he would extend his support to whoever his party nominates in the 2027 polls.
“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,” he stressed.
Addressing his recent 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 the meeting will translate to 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. 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.”
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