The reported intention of Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, to contest the 2027 election has been dismissed by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Bala Ibrahim, the APC Director of Publicity, ridiculed Atiku’s 2027 ambition, stating that it is the most laughable news of 2024. According to Ibrahim, Atiku will face defeat once again, emphasizing that he was not a threat to the APC.
Atiku, who has attempted to secure the presidency six times without success, hinted at his continued involvement in politics after the Supreme Court affirmed President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 election. Despite expressing his party’s completion of the current phase of work, Atiku pledged to remain engaged in shaping democratic discourse and advocating for political and economic restructuring.
In response to Atiku’s spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, confirming the 2027 presidential ambition, he described Atiku as a president Nigeria never had, citing his understanding of the private sector and the need for a private sector-led economy. Bwala highlighted Atiku’s experience and capacity, asserting that he is the missing link for the country’s economic revitalization.
The Deputy Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, welcomed Atiku’s ambition, emphasizing that political parties exist to produce leadership. He dismissed concerns that early announcements of presidential ambitions could destabilize the party, stating that such expressions of interest are a fundamental aspect of politics.
Contrary to the PDP’s positive response, the APC Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, asserted that Atiku would lose the 2027 presidential election heavily, claiming that Atiku lacks political value. He advised Atiku to retire from politics, suggesting that Atiku was being misled by his aides and political associates.
While some opposition parties acknowledged Atiku’s right to pursue his political ambitions, others, like the New Nigeria People’s Party, felt that discussions about the 2027 election were premature. Ladipo Johnson, a spokesman for the NNPP Presidential Campaign Council in the 2023 election, stated that events between now and 2027 might make such conversations irrelevant.