Atiku expresses support for Obi in 2027 under PDP's decision

"I have consistently maintained, even before the 2023 elections, that should the PDP zone the presidential ticket to the South or specifically the South-East, I would not challenge it. I respect the party's decisions. My participation in the 2023 presidential race was due to the open call for all party members," Atiku affirmed during a BBC Hausa Service interview.

Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party's presidential candidate in 2023, has stated his willingness to support Peter Obi in 2027 if the party deems it appropriate for the South-East to present a candidate.

"I have consistently maintained, even before the 2023 elections, that should the PDP zone the presidential ticket to the South or specifically the South-East, I would not challenge it. I respect the party's decisions. My participation in the 2023 presidential race was due to the open call for all party members," Atiku affirmed during a BBC Hausa Service interview.

He also suggested that a merger between the PDP and Labour Party is conceivable.

Atiku noted that the party members will determine his political future in the 2027 elections.

The ex-Vice President hinted that his recent meeting with Obi could signal a potential alliance for the 2027 elections.

Addressing the nature of his meeting with Obi, Atiku remarked, "It was a routine cordial gathering, common among opposition parties. Such interactions are beneficial for Nigeria's democratic health and national interest."

Regarding the possibility of a merger, he commented, "Certainly, it's quite feasible. We can unite for a shared objective. There's nothing preventing it if that's our collective desire."

Dismissing concerns that the selection of a presidential candidate might hinder merger talks, the former Vice President stated, "That won't be a problem. The party's choice of candidate will not be a contentious issue."

Explaining his continued involvement in politics, Atiku declared, "We cannot remain silent while things deteriorate. With people suffering, our commitment is to improve Nigeria."

When asked about his political fatigue, he responded, "Not in the slightest. I remain actively engaged in Nigerian politics, as long as I am able."

"My age does not preclude the younger generation from pursuing their political ambitions. Everyone has the right to aspire to any societal role, regardless of age," he added.

Concerning his presidential aspirations for 2027, Atiku stated, "The party's decision will be pivotal. I cannot speculate on that now. The party will chart the course for the next election."

He clarified that his meetings with political allies should not be misconstrued as electioneering. "We're upholding the democracy we fought for," he emphasized.

Recently, Obi met privately with Atiku and other PDP leaders in Abuja.

Obi also had separate discussions with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki, fueling speculation about a potential alliance for the 2027 elections.

Obi, a former PDP member, left in 2022 to run for president with the Labour Party, finishing third in the February 23 election behind Atiku and winner Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.

Atiku attributed his loss to Tinubu partly to Obi's exit from the PDP.

Analysts have suggested that the combined votes of Atiku and Obi could have surpassed Tinubu's tally.

The recent meeting marked the first public interaction between Obi and Atiku post-election.

Images of Obi's meetings with the PDP stalwarts went viral on social media and online platforms.

In 2019, Atiku and Obi were running mates on the PDP ticket but lost to then-President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.

Internal disputes led Obi to depart from the PDP and contest the 2023 election as the Labour Party candidate.

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