I’ll keep contesting for presidency as long as I’m healthy – Atiku

Atiku Abubakar, a former vice-president, has declared that he will continue to run for the Nigerian presidency as long as he remains in good health.

He made this statement during an interview with the Hausa service of the Voice of America in Abuja.

At 77 years old, Abubakar represented the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election. By the next presidential election in 2027, he will be 81.

“I will keep contesting as long as I am alive and healthy,” Abubakar affirmed.

Having run for the presidency six times, Abubakar has been an official presidential candidate three times—in 2007, 2019, and 2023.

He draws solace from the fact that former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln did not win on his first attempt.

Addressing the internal issues within the PDP, Abubakar emphasized the need for unity and alliances with other political groups to secure a win in the 2027 election.

“Even former US President Abraham Lincoln contested seven times before winning,” he noted. “However, given the current state of the PDP, we need strong support and collaboration with other parties to win.”

Recently, Abubakar revealed his discussions with Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, about a potential merger.

“To anyone thinking there might be a misunderstanding between Obi and me, rest assured that no issues will arise,” Abubakar stated. “We will support whoever is chosen to represent us in the forthcoming elections.”

He also reiterated his willingness to support a qualified candidate from the southeast if the parties agree on a merger.