The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has hinted that the party will decide his political journey regarding 2027 general elections and the path to follow.
According to him, he may run again if the major opposition party decides to give him its presidential ticket like it did in 2019 and 2023.
The former Vice President also said if the party decides that it is the South-East’s turn and selects Peter Obi as its candidate, he will readily offer his support.
The Turaki Adamawa made this known in a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service.
He said, “2027 Presidential ambition would depend on the decision of my party. I can’t make any categorical statement on that. It’s the duty of the party to decide on the way to go in the next election.
“Until that time comes. Let’s just wait and see how it will turn out.
“It must not be interpreted that I must be eyeing elections to have meetings with political friends and associates. Currently, we are practising democracy in this country which we fought for with our blood.
“I have said repeatedly and I even said it before the 2023 general elections that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it. As long as it’s the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party.
“If the party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him.”
He noted that a merger between the PDP and Labour Party is possible, saying his recent meeting with Obi could indicate a possible alliance leading up to the 2027 general elections.
“It’s just a normal friendly meeting that we often have, particularly among us in the opposition parties. Such meetings are healthy for Nigeria’s democracy and in the country’s interest.
“Yes, it’s very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible, and nothing can stop it if we wish to achieve that.”
The former Vice President also expressed the confidence that the choice of presidential candidate won’t hurt merger talk in 2027, even as he gave insight into why he’s still in active politics.
He said, “That’s not true. That challenge will not arise. I can tell you that the choice of who will fly the flag of the party won’t be an issue.
“Yes, we can’t keep quiet and watch things go wrong. People are suffering and we are committed to making Nigeria a better place.
“It means you are not tired of politics of Nigeria? Not at all. I am still in active politics in Nigeria, at least, as long as God permits.
“My age doesn’t stop the young ones from testing their fate. Everybody, irrespective of age, is allowed to aspire to be anybody in the society, politically or otherwise.”
