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2027: Atiku Speaks On Plans To Contest Against Tinubu

Atiku Speaks On Plans To Contest Against Tinubu at the 2027 presidential election.
He insists a strong opposition platform is needed before making a decision.
Atiku warns Nigeria urgently needs experienced and credible leadership.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has admitted he is unsure whether he will contest the presidency in 2027 against the incumbent, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking in an upcoming interview on Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, set to air today, Atiku responded to speculations about his political future.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that despite recently forming a coalition of opposition leaders to challenge Tinubu’s administration, Atiku stressed that the decision to run depends on the establishment of a viable and united platform. He noted that for the opposition to succeed, it must rally behind a strong and credible candidate, rather than being fragmented.

The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) acknowledged the ongoing speculation surrounding the coalition’s leadership, with names like former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai being considered as potential flag bearers.

When asked directly if he would contest again, Atiku said, “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.”

Atiku, who has vied for the presidency six times, did not completely dismiss the possibility of running, emphasizing Nigeria’s urgent need for experienced and competent leadership. He said, “I have not seen Nigeria in dire need of, you know, an experienced and credible leadership than this time.”

Reflecting on past political dynamics, Atiku recalled how opposition figures merged in 2014 to support a single candidate, leading to the victory of Muhammadu Buhari. He suggested that replicating such a strategy in 2027 could increase the opposition’s chances of unseating the ruling party.

Atiku Contest Against Tinubu

He also aligned with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s concerns over the declining state of Nigeria’s democracy, describing the situation as “very dire.” Expressing disappointment in governance at both state and federal levels, Atiku lamented that despite many former governors and senators holding key positions, there has been little progress in national development, leaving him “a little bit distressed.”