Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says he is unsure about contesting the 2027 presidency, stressing the need for a strong opposition coalition. He also addressed Nigeria’s governance decline and defended his 2023 running mate choice. His remarks fuel speculation about his political future and the opposition’s strategy for 2027.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is unsure whether he will contest the 2027 presidential election, emphasizing the importance of a solid political platform before making a decision. In a recent interview, Atiku highlighted the urgent need for credible leadership in Nigeria but refrained from confirming his candidacy.
Having run for president six times, Atiku is now leading efforts to unite opposition figures against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speculation is growing over who will emerge as the coalition’s presidential candidate, with Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai among the key names being considered. Atiku stressed that collaboration among opposition parties is essential, referencing the 2014 merger that led to the All Progressives Congress (APC) victory.
Speaking on Nigeria’s governance, Atiku expressed disappointment in the country’s political leadership, stating that rather than seeing improvements, governance standards have declined. He also agreed with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s assertion that Nigeria’s democracy is in decline.
On his 2023 vice-presidential choice, Atiku explained that he allowed a party committee to select three nominees, ranking Ifeanyi Okowa first and Nyesom Wike second. He dismissed claims that not choosing Wike contributed to the People’s Democratic Party’s internal crisis, maintaining that he simply followed the party’s recommendations.
