Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in a recent interview with the Hausa service of the Voice of America, has reaffirmed his determination to continue contesting for the Nigerian presidency, drawing inspiration from former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln’s persistence in his political career.
Abubakar, who will be 81 by the next presidential election in 2027, has already run for the presidency six times and been a candidate on the ballot in 2007, 2019, and 2023.
Despite these unsuccessful bids, Abubakar remains resolute, stating, “Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy.”
He cited Lincoln’s numerous attempts before winning the presidency as a source of consolation and motivation. “Abraham Lincoln contested seven times before winning at the end,” Abubakar said, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
Addressing the current challenges within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abubakar highlighted the necessity for unity and strategic alliances to secure victory in the 2027 elections.
He canvassed collaboration with other parties as a key requirement to secure power.
Analysts say his expressed approach probably birthed the recent meeting between the former vice president and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi.
He further expressed his support for a unified candidate in the upcoming elections, regardless of regional affiliations. “We are going to be behind anybody that will be chosen to represent us in the forthcoming elections,”
Abubakar affirmed, signalling his willingness to back a candidate from the south-east if a merger with the Labour Party materializes.
