By Suleiman Ibrahim.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed uncertainty about whether he will run for the presidency in 2027. In an exclusive interview for the upcoming television show Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, Atiku revealed his thoughts on the matter, which will air later today.
Atiku, who previously served as the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has recently announced the formation of a coalition of opposition leaders aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election. Speculation is rife regarding who will lead this coalition and who will emerge as its presidential candidate, with prominent figures such as former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai being considered potential leaders.
When asked about his own presidential ambitions, Atiku stated, “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.” He emphasized the pressing need for experienced and credible leadership in Nigeria, stating, “I have not seen Nigeria in dire need of… leadership than this time.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political landscape, Atiku agreed with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s assessment that the country’s democracy is deteriorating, describing the situation as “very dire.” He expressed disappointment with the current political leadership, noting a lack of improvement in governance despite many in the next generation having held significant political offices.
Atiku also addressed the credibility of the current legislative leadership, particularly regarding the National Assembly’s ratification of the state of emergency in Rivers State, alleging corruption among lawmakers.
Regarding his decision not to select current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike as his running mate in the 2023 election, Atiku maintained he had no regrets. He explained that after facing criticism for not consulting widely when he chose Peter Obi in 2019, he opted to involve the party more in the selection process for 2023.
He detailed how, in 2023, a committee recommended three candidates for his running mate: then-Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the first choice, Wike as the second, and then-Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel as the third. Ultimately, Atiku chose Okowa, stating that Wike was simply the second choice.
Atiku also reflected on his political history, recalling how his late mentor, Shehu Yar’adua, instructed him to step down for Chief Moshood Abiola during the primaries of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1993. He recounted the circumstances surrounding Abiola’s decision to select Babagana Kingibe as his running mate instead of him, attributing it to pressure from SDP governors who had previously secured their tickets under Kingibe’s leadership.
