The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has said that if in 2027, the party decides that it is the South-East\u2019s turn and selects Peter Obi as its candidate, he will readily offer his support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have said repeatedly and I even said it before the 2023 general elections that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won\u2019t contest it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As long as it\u2019s the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf the party decides that it\u2019s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won\u2019t hesitate to support him,\u201d Atiku declared in a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that a merger between the PDP and Labour Party is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Atiku added that members of the party would decide his fate in the 2027 general elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The former Vice President mentioned that his recent meeting with Obi might indicate a possible alliance leading up to the 2027 general elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Responding to questions about the meeting with Obi, Atiku said, \u201cIt\u2019s just a normal friendly meeting that we often have, particularly among us in the opposition parties. Such meetings are healthy for Nigeria\u2019s democracy and in the country\u2019s interest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On whether this will bring about a merger, he said, \u201cYes, it\u2019s very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it\u2019s possible, and nothing can stop it if we wish to achieve that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The former Vice President, who denied that the choice of presidential candidate might frustrate the merger discussion, said, \u201cThat\u2019s not true. That challenge will not arise. I can tell you that the choice of who will fly the flag of the party won\u2019t be an issue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On why he\u2019s still in active politics, Atiku said, \u201cYes, we can\u2019t keep quiet and watch things go wrong. People are suffering and we are committed to making Nigeria a better place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt means you are not tired of politics of Nigeria? Not at all. I am still in active politics in Nigeria, at least, as long as God permits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy age doesn\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regarding his 2027 Presidential ambition, the former Vice President said \u201cThat would depend on the decision of my party. I can\u2019t make any categorical statement on that. It\u2019s the duty of the party to decide on the way to go in the next election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUntil that time comes. Let\u2019s just wait and see how it will turn out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt must not be interpreted like that. I must not be eyeing elections to have meetings with political friends and associates. Currently, we are practising democracy in this country which we fought for with our blood.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last week, Obi held a private meeting with Atiku and some other PDP leaders in Abuja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obi also met separately with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, sparking speculation about a possible coalition for the 2027 general elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obi was a PDP member until 2022, when he left to pursue his presidential ambitions with the Labour Party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He finished third behind Atiku in the February 23 presidential election, which was won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Atiku blamed Obi\u2019s departure from the PDP for his loss to Tinubu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Analysts argued that Atiku\u2019s 6,984,520 votes combined with Obi\u2019s 6,101,533 votes could have secured a win against Tinubu, who received 8,794,726 votes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"