Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has put to rest speculations surrounding his political future, declaring unequivocally that he will contest the 2027 presidential election.
Contrary to reports suggesting he might step aside, Atiku said his resolve to lead Nigeria out of its current economic and political turmoil remains unshaken.
The clarification comes after Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo, who represented Atiku at a political defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos, suggested that the former Vice President was more concerned about nation-building than personal ambition.
Olateju was quoted as saying:
> “Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. It’s not about being President at all costs; it’s about establishing a government that truly works for Nigerians.”
However, Atiku dismissed that interpretation, insisting he never authorized such a statement. Speaking via telephone with Professor Tunde Olusunle, his former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Atiku reaffirmed his presidential ambition.
He said:
> “I did not issue that statement. When people represent me at events, we usually align on my thoughts and interventions. In this particular instance, there was no engagement with me. Prof. Olateju was not speaking for me.”
The former Vice President, who contested the 2023 election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current state, stressing that urgent intervention is needed.
> “I will run in 2027. Nigeria must be decisively rescued from the intensive care unit it has been consigned to. The degeneration in our country, the poverty, pain, and anguish are unacceptable. The deceit, loss of values, large-scale thievery, and lack of accountability should disturb every patriot. I will be offering myself to lead the reclamation and reconstruction of our traumatised homeland,” Atiku declared.
On his new political alignment, Atiku revealed that the coalition with the ADC is gaining ground, promising it will be a formidable force by 2027. He dismissed concerns about the party’s unimpressive showing in recent by-elections, arguing that it is still in its formative stages.
> “A platform that was only adopted a few months ago cannot be judged by bye-election performances. ADC is spearheading a potent mass movement that will shock the world. We will upstage the status quo in a way that will leave doubters dumbstruck,” Atiku was quoted as saying.
With this declaration, Atiku has once again positioned himself as a central figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, igniting debates about the shape of the 2027 presidential race and whether his long-standing ambition will finally materialize.
PIONEER NEWS 