Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has sparked renewed interest in Nigeria’s political landscape after hinting at another bid for the presidency in 2027.
During a brief chat with journalists, Atiku suggested that a formal declaration would be made soon, reinforcing speculation about his future ambitions.
In a post that quickly gained traction on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku responded to direct questions about his plans with a calm assurance.
“We will let you know. We will give you formal announcement,” he said with a confident smile.
When asked what his course of action would be if he did not secure his party’s ticket, the 77-year-old veteran politician replied assertively, “Have I ever failed to get the ticket? I’m confident.”
Atiku, who has been a recurring figure in Nigeria’s presidential contests since 1993, also weighed in on the debate around youth participation in politics.
In a pointed comment, he said, “Let the youths contest now. It’s democracy.”
Backing Atiku’s prospective run, Dr. Emeka Kalu, President of the ECK Foundation, threw his support behind the former Vice President.
He described Atiku as “a detribalised Nigerian” with the needed experience to tackle Nigeria’s ongoing economic and security challenges.
In a statement, Kalu highlighted Atiku’s perseverance and leadership track record as key strengths.
According to him, these traits make Atiku “a strong candidate to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.”
Kalu also framed his support as a strategic decision for the Southeast, stating that endorsing Atiku “could be a strategic move for the Igbo people, potentially paving the way for Mr. Peter Obi in the future and giving the Igbo community a say in Nigeria’s power dynamics.”
He further praised Atiku’s past economic initiatives, saying his time as Vice President demonstrated his ability to drive reforms.
“Atiku’s leadership experience and vision [are] the essential assets for revitalising Nigeria’s economy,” Kalu stated, citing achievements in liberalisation, trade investment, and job creation.
