Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reignited political discourse after subtly hinting at a potential run in the 2027 presidential election. Addressing journalists in Abuja, Atiku stated that an official declaration would be made at the appropriate time.
The 77-year-old political heavyweight, who has been a recurrent contender for the presidency since 1993, made the remarks during a media interaction captured in a trending post on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
When asked about his 2027 ambitions and when he might make them official, Atiku smiled and said, “We will let you know. We will give you a formal announcement.”
In response to a question on what he would do if he didn’t secure the party’s presidential ticket, he confidently stated: “Have I ever failed to get the ticket? I’m confident.”
On the increasing demand for younger presidential candidates, Atiku maintained a democratic stance: “Let the youths contest now. It’s democracy.”
Meanwhile, President of the ECK Foundation, Dr. Emeka Kalu, has thrown his support behind Atiku’s 2027 bid, describing him as a detribalised leader with the requisite experience to tackle Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges.
In a statement, Kalu highlighted Atiku’s experience and resilience as qualities that make him a formidable candidate to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 polls.
Kalu also suggested that backing Atiku could be a strategic advantage for the Igbo people, potentially setting the stage for a future presidential bid by Mr. Peter Obi and increasing southeastern influence in national politics.
He further emphasized that Atiku’s leadership credentials and vision were crucial for Nigeria’s economic recovery, citing his tenure as Vice President, where he championed economic liberalisation, foreign investment, and job creation.
