Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that he is uncertain about contesting the presidency in the 2027 general elections. He made this revelation during an exclusive interview on the television show *Untold Stories* with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie. The full interview is set to air soon, but *The Peoples’ Insight* obtained an exclusive preview.
Atiku, who has been a recurring figure in Nigeria’s presidential elections, recently spearheaded the formation of a coalition of opposition leaders, aiming to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. This coalition has sparked intense speculation regarding who will emerge as its flagbearer, with notable figures like former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai being considered as key contenders.
Atiku Weighs His Options for 2027
When asked if he would run for the presidency again, 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.”* His statement suggests that his decision hinges on the strength and unity of the opposition coalition rather than personal ambition alone.
Despite his uncertainty, Atiku acknowledged Nigeria’s urgent need for experienced and credible leadership, emphasizing that the country’s current situation is dire. *“I have never seen Nigeria in such a critical need for capable leadership as we are witnessing today,”* he remarked.
He drew parallels with the 2014 merger that led to the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that multiple opposition leaders had contested but eventually united behind one candidate who went on to win the presidency.
Atiku Agrees with Obasanjo on Declining Democracy
Atiku aligned with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s assertion that Nigeria’s democracy is deteriorating. He stated unequivocally, *“No doubt about that,”* and expressed concern over the country’s governance, particularly among the new generation of leaders.
*“Many from the generation after mine have served as governors and senators, yet instead of seeing an improvement in governance, the situation has worsened. That is distressing,”* he lamented.
Criticism of the National Assembly and Allegations of Corruption
Atiku also questioned the credibility of Nigeria’s current legislative leadership, especially regarding their role in ratifying the state of emergency declared in Rivers State. He did not mince words, alleging that corruption is prevalent in the National Assembly.
“I am not surprised,” he stated bluntly, hinting at systemic corruption within the legislature.
Why Atiku Rejected Wike as Running Mate in 2023
Atiku addressed the long-standing controversy surrounding his choice of running mate in the 2023 presidential election. Many political analysts believe that his decision to bypass Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), contributed to the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ultimately to his defeat.
Wike, who was the governor of Rivers State at the time, led five PDP governors in open rebellion against Atiku’s candidacy and later boasted about working to secure Rivers State for President Tinubu.
However, Atiku maintained that he had no regrets about not selecting Wike as his running mate. *“No, not at all,”* he said firmly.
He explained that in 2019, when he chose Peter Obi as his running mate, he was criticized for failing to consult widely. To avoid similar backlash in 2023, he allowed the party to decide. The PDP set up a committee that recommended three potential running mates: 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.
*“I picked the first choice,”* Atiku clarified, reinforcing that his decision was purely based on party recommendations.
Revisiting the 1993 Presidential Primaries and Abiola’s Betrayal
Atiku also reflected on his political journey, recalling how his late mentor, Shehu Yar’Adua, instructed him to step down for Chief Moshood Abiola during the 1993 Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries.
He recounted, *“After the first ballot, I called Yar’Adua, who was in Kaduna due to a political ban, and warned him that Babagana Kingibe was leading and might win if he didn’t intervene.”*
According to Atiku, Yar’Adua immediately traveled from Kaduna to Jos and convened a crucial meeting at Ambassador Yahaya Kwande’s house. The meeting resulted in Atiku stepping down for Abiola.
However, Atiku later learned that Abiola reneged on a prior agreement to select him as his running mate. Instead, Abiola bowed to pressure from SDP governors, who insisted that he choose Kingibe.
*“They threatened him, saying that if he did not pick Kingibe, they would withdraw their support. Abiola decided it was a risk worth taking,”* Atiku revealed.
Conclusion
Atiku Abubakar remains a significant force in Nigerian politics, with his potential candidacy in 2027 still uncertain. His comments reflect deep concerns about the country’s leadership and governance. While he remains open to the idea of running, his decision will likely depend on the effectiveness of the opposition coalition he is helping to build.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, all eyes will be on Atiku and the coalition’s next moves, as they seek to challenge the ruling APC and redefine Nigeria’s political landscape.
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