The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has stated that he would rally behind Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s flagbearer in the 2023 presidential election, should his own party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), decide to cede its 2027 presidential ticket to the South-East geopolitical zone.
Atiku, who flew the PDP’s banner in the recently concluded polls, made this known in a recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service. He explained that he had contested the 2023 race because it was an open playing field for all PDP members.
According to the former VP, he has consistently maintained that he would not seek the PDP’s presidential nomination if the party opts to zone it to either the entire southern region or the South-East specifically. “As long as it aligns with the party’s decision, I will comply,” he affirmed.
However, Atiku was unequivocal about his preparedness to support Obi wholeheartedly should the latter emerge as the PDP’s candidate for 2027 based on a zoning arrangement favoring the South-East.
Interestingly, the PDP stalwart also hinted at the possibility of his party merging with the Labour Party, noting that such a move would be contingent upon the desires of the respective party members. He pointed to his recent talks with Obi as a potential prelude to a pre-election alliance ahead of 2027.
While describing the meeting as a “normal friendly” parley between opposition figures, Atiku insisted that such interactions were healthy for Nigeria’s democratic growth and national interest.
On the possibility of a merger between the two parties, the former VP was upbeat, stating “It is very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal, and nothing can stop it if that is our collective wish.”
Atiku downplayed suggestions that the choice of a presidential candidate could undermine any merger talks, asserting that the decision of who flies the party’s flag would not breed any controversy.
The elder statesman made it clear that he remains invested in Nigeria’s political scene, at least for as long as God permits, given his unwavering commitment to improving the lot of the suffering masses.
He dismissed insinuations that he may be fatigued by the rigors of politics, stating categorically: “My age does not preclude younger individuals from pursuing their ambitions. Everyone, regardless of age, has the right to aspire to any position within society, be it political or otherwise.”
Regarding his own presidential ambitions for 2027, Atiku deferred to the decision of his party, noting that it falls within the party’s purview to chart the way forward for future elections. He urged Nigerians to wait patiently for that process to unfold organically.
The former VP rejected assertions that his meetings with political associates were indicative of selfish electoral intentions, maintaining that Nigeria’s hard-won democracy, secured at a significant cost, must be nurtured through consistent engagement and vigilance.
