Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has listed conditions under which he would step down and support Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate, in the 2027 presidential election.
Abubakar, who was the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, revealed his stance during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service.
Abubakar noted that he will support Obi provided PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the Southeast.
“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.”
Abubakar addressed speculation about his recent meeting with Obi, with reports suggesting that the duo’s meeting could signal a potential alliance for the 2027 elections.
“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,” he explained.
The former vice president also discussed the potential for a merger between the PDP and the Labour Party, noting that such a move would be dependent on the members’ decisions.
“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 said.
Abubakar dismissed concerns that the selection of a presidential candidate would hinder merger talks, saying, “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.”
He also spoke about his ongoing engagement in politics despite his age, noting that his “ 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 potential candidacy in 2027, Atiku 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,” adding that “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.
