by Godwin Orozo, Abuja-
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he has yet to decide whether he will contest the presidency in 2027, emphasizing the need for a strong political platform before making such a decision.
In a preview of an interview with Arise TV, scheduled for full broadcast later today, Wednesday, March 26, Abubakar stated, “I don’t know because there has to be, first of all, a viable platform, more than any other time in the political history of this country, particularly since the return of democracy.”
The former vice president, who was the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 general election, stressed that Nigeria is in urgent need of experienced and credible leadership. “The situation in the country is more dire than ever,” he noted.
Abubakar referenced the 2014 political merger that saw multiple presidential aspirants unite behind a single candidate, suggesting that such coalitions might be necessary for future elections.
Additionally, he echoed concerns raised by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently lamented the decline of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. “The situation is very dire,” Abubakar said, agreeing with Obasanjo’s assessment.
He also criticized the credibility of the National Assembly, particularly its swift approval of a state of emergency in Rivers State. He accused the Senate leadership of corruption, stating, “I am not surprised by their actions.”
Addressing past political decisions, Abubakar defended his choice of Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate in 2023 instead of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). “I have no regrets about my decision,” he asserted.
