By Swill Mavua.
Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections, has once again thrown his hat into the ring for the 2027 presidential election. This will be his third consecutive attempt at the presidency, and many Nigerians are left wondering if his ambition is driven by a genuine desire to serve or a personal quest for power. And he’s now under serious criticism and pressure to put his ambition to rest; more so as he would be 80 years by 2027.
Atiku’s presidential ambitions date back to the early to 1993, when the contested against MKO Abiola for the presidential ticket of the Social Democratic Party (DSP) and lost to Abiola, who eventually won the annulled June 12 election – in the ill-fated Third Republic. He has since been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, serving as Vice President from 1999 to 2007. Despite his experience and credentials, Atiku has faced numerous challenges in his quest for the presidency.
Since then Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition has become a recurring decimal in Nigerian politics, with his seventh attempt now potentially shaping the country’s future leadership politicking. Below is an in-depth analysis of his past endeavors and potential future prospects:
Atiku has previously contested the Nigerian presidency six times:
- 1993: He ran under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the party’s presidential ticket but lost to Moshood Abiola.
- 2007: He joined the then Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Action Congress (AC) and contested the presidential election placing third behind Umaru Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari.
- 2011: He ran for the PDP ticket against the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan and lost.
- 2015: Atiku joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) but yielded the ticket to Muhammadu Buhari, who eventually won the presidential elections. He was to later return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
- 2019: Atiku emerged as the PDP’s presidential candidate, losing the elections to Muhammadu Buhari.
- 2023: He again ran under the PDP, facing Bola Tinubu.
- 2027: For this future election, he has pitched his tent in a coalition with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku’s persistence in pursuing the presidency stems from his conviction and ambition. But the question in the mouth of political observers is, is his ambition actually altruistic? Atiku’s age and health could be crucial factors in determining his eligibility and viability for the 2027 elections.
His 2019 presidential bid was marked by controversy, with many questioning his eligibility to run due to allegations of certificate forgery. In 2023, he again emerged as the PDP’s presidential candidate, but his campaign was unsuccessful.
Despite this, he remains a significant figure in Nigerian politics, and his presidential ambition continues to shape the political dynamics. Atiku’s persistence in pursuing the presidency has earned him admiration in some quarters but on the larger scale and amongst the youths, criticism. His decision to run for the presidency for the third continuous time is raising questions about his motivations. Is he driven by a desire to serve Nigeria, or is it a personal quest for power and prestige? Nigerians are left to wonder if Atiku’s ambition is fueled by a sense of duty or a need for validation.
The ADC’s chances of winning the 2027 presidential election are uncertain. While Atiku remains a prominent figure in the party, his repeated attempts at the presidency may have diminished his appeal to some voters. The ADC will need to consider various factors, including the party’s internal dynamics, the opposition’s strength, and the electorate’s mood.
Atiku’s presidential ambition is a complex issue that warrants scrutiny. While he has a right to pursue his political aspirations, Nigerians deserve to know his motivations and vision for the country. As the 2027 presidential election approaches, he will need to convince Nigerians that he is the best candidate for the job. But he also needs to know this: With his age, time is up and 2027 is time, indeed, to rest his presidential ambition.
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