The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the reported plan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, to contest the 2027 election. In an interview with The PUNCH, the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, called Atiku’s 2027 ambition the most laughable news of 2024, stating that the former vice-president would be defeated again.
Atiku’s spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, confirmed on Tuesday night that Atiku would contest the presidential election in 2027. Atiku, who attempted to become Nigeria’s President six times without success, hinted at not retiring from politics after the Supreme Court affirmed President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 election.
Bala Ibrahim, in response to Bwala’s disclosure, ridiculed Atiku’s political value and suggested he should quit politics, emphasizing that he is being misled by his aides and political associates.
While the PDP Deputy Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, commended Atiku’s ambition, some opposition parties expressed varying views. The New Nigeria People’s Party considered it too early for such discussions, while the Labour Party supported Atiku but emphasized that Nigerians were tired of the “old stock.” The Social Democratic Party and the Action African Alliance indicated that they would field their candidates in the 2027 election.
Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Action African Alliance, dismissed Atiku’s chances, calling him a “serial contestant and a serial loser.” Rotimi Olawale of YouthHub Africa urged older politicians to support younger aspirants, and the Young Progressives Party emphasized the need for visionary and dynamic leaders without greed.