Former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reaffirmed his commitment to continue contesting for Nigeria’s presidency as long as he remains healthy.
In an interview with the Hausa service of the Voice of America in Abuja, Atiku declared his intention to persist in his political ambitions, drawing inspiration from former US President Abraham Lincoln’s persistence.
“Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy,” Atiku stated.
He referenced Lincoln, who ran for office multiple times before achieving victory, as a model for his perseverance.
Atiku emphasized the necessity of strong support and collaboration with other parties to secure a win, highlighting the current fragmented state of the PDP.
Atiku, who will be 81 years old by the time of the 2027 presidential election, has a long history of presidential bids.
He has run six times and appeared on the ballot as a presidential candidate in 2007, 2019, and 2023. Despite his repeated attempts, he remains undeterred by past defeats.
In his interview, Atiku also addressed the internal challenges facing the PDP. He called for unity and strategic alliances with other political groups to enhance the party’s chances in the next election.
Speculations about a possible coalition with other political parties have been fueled by recent meetings, including one with Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
“This is to anybody that thinks there is going to be a misunderstanding between me and Obi,” Atiku said, assuring that there will be no conflicts between them. He further expressed his willingness to support any chosen representative for the forthcoming elections.