Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate for 2023, has vowed to continue running for the presidency as long as he remains healthy.
In an interview with the Hausa service of the Voice of America in Abuja, Atiku confirmed his intention to keep contesting future elections. “Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy,” he said.
Drawing a parallel with former US President Abraham Lincoln, Atiku noted, “Even the former US President Abraham Lincoln contested seven times before finally winning.”
However, he acknowledged that the current state of the PDP requires more than just his efforts to secure a victory. “Given the current state of the PDP, it is clear that a single-handed effort will not suffice to win the election. Strong support and collaboration with other parties are required,” he emphasized.
Atiku, who will be 81 by the time the next presidential election takes place in 2027, has previously run for the presidency six times and has been a candidate on three occasions—in 2007, 2019, and 2023.
Reflecting on his perseverance, Atiku expressed consolation in the fact that Abraham Lincoln did not win the presidential vote on his first attempt. He also addressed the ongoing crisis within the PDP, stressing the need for unity and alliances with other political groups to secure a win in the 2027 election.
Amid speculation of forming a coalition with other political parties, Atiku recently met with Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate. Addressing rumors of discord, he assured, “This is to anybody that thinks there is going to be a misunderstanding between me and Obi, let me assure you that not even a small issue is going to happen between us. Also, we are going to be behind anybody that will be chosen to represent us in the forthcoming elections.”
