In a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service, the former vice president made this revelation. He also said that he ran for president last year since the position was left available.
If the Peoples Democratic Party determines that the South-East should lead in 2027, former vice president Atiku Abubakar has declared that he will back Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in 2027.
Atiku, the PDP’s nominee for president in the general election of 2023, declared that he would support Obi wholeheartedly should his party select him.
In a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service, the former vice president made this revelation. He also said that he ran for president last year since the position was left available.
“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,” Atiku said.
“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 added.
The PDP chieftain also said there is a possibility for the merger between the PDP and Labour Party, adding that the members of the party would decide his fate in the 2027 general elections.
He also explained that his recent meeting with Obi might indicate a possible alliance leading up to the 2027 general elections.
Speaking about the meeting, Atiku said, “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.”
About the possibility of the merger, he said, “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.”
He denied that the choice of presidential candidate might frustrate the merger discussion, and 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.”
In his clarification about his active part in politics, he said, “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.”
Regarding his 2027 Presidential ambition, the former Vice President said “That 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 like that. I must not 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,” he added.
