2027: I May Step Down And Support Peter Obi — Atiku

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has revealed why he will support Labour Party’s Peter Obi in the 2027 elections.

Atiku, who was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, spoke during a recent interview on BBC Hausa.

The former vice president said that he will step down and support Peter Obi if the party decides to nominate a candidate from the South-East.

Atiku explained that he ran for president in 2023 because the party opened the race to all members.

He stated, “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 added.

Atiku also discussed the potential for a merger between the PDP and Labour Party, suggesting that party members would decide his role in the 2027 election.

The former vice president noted that his recent meeting with Obi could hint at a future alliance.

“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,” he said.

On the possibility of a merger, Atiku 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.”

Atiku dismissed concerns that choosing a presidential candidate might hinder merger talks, saying, “That’s not true.

“That challenge will not arise. I can tell you that the choice of who will fly the flag of the party won’t be an issue.”

When asked about his continued involvement in politics, Atiku responded, ““Yes, we can’t keep quiet and watch things go wrong. People are suffering and we are committed to making Nigeria a better place.

“It means you are not tired of politics of Nigeria? Not at all. I am still in active politics in Nigeria, at least, as long as God permits.

“My age doesn’t stop the young ones from testing their fate. Everybody, irrespective of age, is allowed to aspire to be anybody in the society, politically or otherwise.”

Regarding his potential 2027 presidential run, Atiku said, “That would depend on the decision of my party. I can’t make any categorical statement on that.

“It’s the duty of the party to decide on the way to go in the next election. Until that time comes. Let’s just wait and see how it will turn out.

Atiku emphasized that meeting with political allies doesn’t always mean planning for elections.

“It must not be interpreted like that. I must not be eyeing elections to have meetings with political friends and associates. Currently, we are practising democracy in this country which we fought for with our blood,” he added.

KanyiDaily recalls that Professor Pat Utomi recently revealed that Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rabiu Kwankwaso have reached an agreement to establish a formidable political party to sack the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).