Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed uncertainty regarding his ambition to contest the presidency in the 2027 general elections. This revelation came during a yet-to-be-aired television interview on Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie. Atiku, who has vied for the presidency six times, indicated that his decision would depend on the viability of a political platform strong enough to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
His remarks follow his recent move to form a coalition of opposition leaders with the aim of unseating President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led government. The political landscape in Nigeria has been increasingly dynamic, and Atiku’s position suggests that opposition parties may be seeking a united front ahead of the next election cycle.
When asked directly about his intention to run in 2027, 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, while he has not ruled out the possibility of contesting, his primary concern remains the formation of a strong and competitive opposition platform.
Atiku emphasized the urgent need for credible leadership in Nigeria, stating, “I have not seen Nigeria in dire need of, you know, an experienced and credible leadership than this time.” He further recalled the political merger that took place in 2014, where multiple political figures united under the APC umbrella to defeat the then-incumbent government. “We had a similar, you know, what would I say, merger in 2014. About four of us or is it three? We all ran for president and one of us emerged, and we all supported the one who emerged, and he won,” he explained.
These remarks have fueled speculations about potential alliances in the forthcoming elections. There are growing indications that Atiku may throw his weight behind other political heavyweights, such as former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. If such an alliance materializes, it could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics and pose a formidable challenge to the ruling party.
Atiku’s political trajectory has been marked by resilience and strategic maneuvering. His latest statements highlight the complexity of Nigeria’s opposition politics and the need for a united front to present a credible alternative to the electorate. While he remains undecided on his own candidacy, his involvement in coalition-building efforts suggests that he intends to play a key role in shaping the country’s political future.
As 2027 approaches, the political climate is expected to intensify, with major players positioning themselves for what could be one of the most competitive elections in Nigeria’s history. Whether Atiku will eventually contest or support another candidate remains to be seen, but his influence in the opposition remains undeniable. The unfolding political developments will be closely watched as Nigeria heads toward another critical electoral cycle.
