I Don’t Know If I Will Run in 2027 – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stated that he is uncertain about contesting the presidency in 2027. In an interview for *Untold Stories* with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, set to air today but exclusively obtained by *Daily Trust*, Atiku emphasized the need for a strong political platform before making any decision.

Atiku, who recently led the formation of an opposition coalition to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, has been at the center of speculation regarding the coalition’s leadership. Other key figures being considered include former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

When asked if he would contest, 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.” However, he did not rule out the possibility, stressing that Nigeria is in dire need of “experienced and credible leadership.” He likened the current political climate to 2014, when opposition leaders united behind a single candidate and won the presidency.

Atiku also agreed with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s claim that Nigeria’s democracy is deteriorating, calling the situation “very dire.” He expressed disappointment in the country’s leadership, particularly the younger generation of politicians. “Instead of seeing an improvement in governance at the state level and beyond, I don’t see it. So I feel a little bit distressed,” he said.

He further criticized the credibility of the National Assembly, particularly regarding its handling of the state of emergency in Rivers State, alleging corruption among legislators. “I am not surprised,” he remarked.

Addressing why he did not select Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as his running mate in the 2023 election, Atiku said he had no regrets. Many analysts believe this decision contributed to the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as Wike later admitted to working against Atiku’s candidacy and supporting Tinubu. However, Atiku explained that after facing criticism in 2019 for not consulting widely before choosing Peter Obi as his running mate, he left the decision to the party in 2023. A committee recommended three candidates: 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. Atiku said he simply chose the committee’s top recommendation.

Reflecting on the 1993 presidential election, Atiku recalled how his political mentor, the late Shehu Yar’adua, instructed him to step down for Chief Moshood Abiola during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries. Despite an agreement that Atiku would be Abiola’s running mate, SDP governors pressured Abiola into selecting Babagana Kingibe instead, believing he was the better choice for securing their support.