The All Progressives Congress (APC) has scoffed at the reported plan by Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, to contest the 2027 election. The APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed Atiku’s 2027 ambition as the “most laughable news of 2024” and expressed confidence that Atiku would be defeated again.
Atiku, who attempted to become Nigeria’s President six times, hinted at his intention to continue in politics after the Supreme Court affirmed President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the 2023 election. He pledged to remain active in shaping the democratic discourse and advocating for political and economic restructuring.
The spokesperson for Atiku, Daniel Bwala, confirmed on Tuesday night that Atiku would run again in the 2027 presidential election. Bwala praised Atiku as a president Nigeria never had, citing his experience and capacity in understanding the private sector.
The APC, however, dismissed the notion that Atiku could be a threat, emphasizing that Atiku had been defeated by the APC multiple times. Bala Ibrahim advised Atiku to quit politics, suggesting that he was being misled by his aides and political associates.
The APC publicity director stated, “Atiku should better forget about politics completely. I think this is the imagination of Bwala and a few others around him. And it only goes to tell you that Atiku is surrounded by people who mislead him because anybody who has real feelings and concern for Atiku will not advise him to run against Tinubu again.”
Some opposition political parties acknowledged Atiku’s right to pursue his political ambitions, while others questioned the timing and suggested support for younger leaders. The PDP Deputy Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, welcomed the development, emphasizing the importance of ambition and interests in politics.
The 2027 presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar has sparked various reactions, reflecting the diverse perspectives within Nigeria’s political landscape.
