Atiku vows to continue contesting for President

….urges PDP to forge alliances

By Innocent Raphael

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has reaffirmed his determination to continue contesting for the presidency as long as he remains healthy.

In an interview with the Hausa service of the Voice of America in Abuja, Atiku stated his commitment to running in future elections, drawing inspiration from former US President Abraham Lincoln, who contested multiple times before securing a victory.

“Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy,” Atiku declared.

He emphasized the necessity for the PDP to seek strong support and collaborate with other parties, acknowledging that the current state of the PDP requires united efforts to win future elections.

Atiku, who will be 81 years old by the next presidential election in 2027, has run for the presidency six times, appearing on the ballot as a candidate in 2007, 2019, and 2023.

He expressed consolation in the perseverance of Abraham Lincoln, who did not win the presidential vote on his first attempt.

Addressing the ongoing crisis within the PDP, Atiku stressed the importance of unity and alliances with other political groups to secure a victory in the 2027 presidential election.

Last week, Atiku met with Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, to discuss potential collaboration. Dispelling rumors of discord between them, Atiku assured that their relationship remains strong.

“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,” he stated.