Atiku says willingness to contest presidency again after six unsuccessful attempts
Atiku Abubakar, opposition politician and serial presidential contestant, has said he would run for the office again. Atiku had made six unsuccessful runs for the presidency including in 2023.
Speaking with Hausa service of the Voice of America, the 77-years-old former Nigerian vice president said that he would ‘keep contesting as long as he is alive.’
“Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy,” Abubakar said.
Atiku cited the plight of a former United States President Abraham Lincoln, who similarly endured defeats before finally winning the presidency.
“Even the former US President Abraham Lincoln contested seven times before finally winning,” he said.
“However, given the current state of the PDP, it is clear that a single-handed effort will not suffice to win the election. Strong support and collaboration with other parties are required.”
He also dismissed the possibility of his interest clashing with that of another presidential hopeful Peter Obi.
“This is to anybody that thinks there is going to be a misunderstanding between me and Obi, let me assure you that not even a small issue is going to happen between us,” Abubakar said.
“Also, we are going to be behind anybody that will be chosen to represent us in the forthcoming elections.
“I have made it clear in my previous speeches that if our parties are going to merge to agree on a candidate from the south-east, as long as he is qualified, we will allow it,” he said.
Credit: TheCable