Former vice president Atiku Abubakar has reiterated his support for his former opponent and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
Atiku, who recently met with Peter Obi in a closed-door meeting in Abuja, has sparked speculations about a potential merger of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Atiku clarified the purpose of the meeting.
“It’s just a normal friendly meeting that we often have, particularly we in the opposition parties. Such meetings are healthy for Nigeria’s democracy and for the country’s interest,” Atiku stated.
Responding to queries about the possibility of a merger or alliance between his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the Labour Party, Atiku remarked, “Yes, it’s very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible and nothing can stop it if we so wish to achieve that.”
Regarding concerns about selecting a presidential candidate, Atiku dismissed them confidently. “That challenge will not arise. I can tell you that the choice of who will fly the flag of the party won’t arise,” he asserted.
Asked if he would support Peter Obi if the party decided it was the turn of the South-East, Atiku affirmed, “If the party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him.”
Atiku confirmed ongoing discussions about the merger but did not specify a timeline. “We are still discussing the issue, and in the right time, we would make our position known,” he remarked.
Despite expectations to step back after the 2023 elections, Atiku remains active in politics.
“Yes, we can’t keep quiet and watch things go wrong. People are suffering and we are committed to making Nigeria a better place,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about his age and political future, Atiku stated, “My age doesn’t stop the young ones from testing their fate. Everybody, irrespective of age, is allowed to aspire to be anybody in the society, politically or otherwise.”
On the possibility of contesting in the 2027 elections, Atiku emphasized that it would depend on his party’s decision.
“It’s the duty of the party to decide on the way to go in the next election,” he said.
Atiku emphasized that his recent meetings should not be solely interpreted as preparations for the next election.
“It must not be interpreted like that. I must not be eyeing elections to have meetings with political friends and associates,” he concluded, stressing the importance of strengthening democracy in Nigeria.
