Atiku expresses uncertainty over 2027 presidential ambition

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed uncertainty over his potential candidacy in the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku, who has previously contested for the presidency six times, made this revelation in a yet-to-be-aired interview on the television program Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie.

His remarks come just days after announcing the formation of a coalition of opposition leaders aiming to challenge and unseat the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the next election cycle.

The coalition, which has been generating political discourse across the country, is seen as a strategic move to unite opposition forces ahead of 2027.

When asked directly about his intentions for the next presidential election, Atiku responded, “I don’t know because there has to be, first of all, a viable platform, more than any other time in the political history of this country, particularly since the return of democracy.”

Despite not making a definitive statement about his plans, the former Vice President emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to be led by a competent and experienced leader.

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“I have not seen Nigeria in dire need of, you know, an experienced and credible leadership than this time,” he stated, highlighting the nation’s challenges and the necessity of strong leadership to address them.

Atiku also reflected on past political alliances, referencing the 2014 coalition that led to the emergence of a united opposition candidate.

“We had a similar, you know, what would I say, merger in 2014. About four of us or is it three? We all ran for president and one of us emerged, and we all supported the one who emerged, and he won,” he recounted, hinting at the possibility of a similar alliance in the coming years.

There has been widespread speculation that Atiku may consider backing former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi or former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in the 2027 election.

While Atiku has not publicly endorsed any candidate, political analysts believe that his role in the opposition coalition could be instrumental in shaping the political landscape ahead of the next general election.

As Nigeria heads towards another crucial election cycle, Atiku’s stance and the evolving dynamics within the opposition camp will likely play a significant role in determining the country’s political future.