I’ll Keep Contesting For Presidency As Long As I’m Healthy – Atiku

The 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday, vowed to keep contesting for the presidential seat as long as he’s healthy.

Atiku, former Nigeria’s Vice President made this pledge during an interview on the Hausa service of the Voice of America (VON) in Abuja.

Atiku said he is consoled by the fact that former United States President Abraham Lincoln did not win the presidential vote on the first time attempt.

Asked if he would contest again, Atiku who will be 81 years of age by the 2027 general election said: “Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy.

“Even the former US President, Abraham Lincoln contested seven times before finally winning.

“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.”

It would be recalled that Atiku has run for the presidency six times but has been on the ballot as a presidential candidate on three occasions — 2007, 2019, and 2023.

Speaking on the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku said the party needs to be united and forge alliances with other political groups to win the presidential election in 2027.

This is coming amid speculation of him forming a coalition with other political parties.

Last week, Atiku met with his counterpart from the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, 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.

“Also, we are going to be behind anybody that will be chosen to represent us in the forthcoming elections,” he said about the meeting.