Atiku, a former Vice President of Nigeria, has declared that he will keep running for president as long as his health allows it. He draws inspiration from the story of Abraham Lincoln, the former American President, who faced many defeats before finally winning the presidency.
In an interview on the Hausa service of the Voice of America in Abuja, Atiku said, “Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy.”
Atiku, now 77 years old, was the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in both the 2019 and 2023 elections. In these elections, he lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari and current President Bola Tinubu. Atiku served as vice president under President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007. By the next presidential election in 2027, he will be 81 years old. Despite his age, Atiku remains determined to continue his political journey, saying he will keep running for the top office as long as his health permits.
He referenced Abraham Lincoln’s persistence, noting that Lincoln contested seven times before finally becoming president. Atiku emphasized that winning the election requires more than individual effort, especially given the current state of the PDP. He believes strong support and collaboration with other parties are essential.
Recently, Atiku mentioned that if his party decides in 2027 that it is the South-East’s turn and selects Peter Obi as its candidate, he will fully support this decision. 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.”
Atiku also addressed questions about his recent meeting with Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party. He explained, “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.” When asked about the possibility of a merger between parties, Atiku confirmed, “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.”