Atiku Declares 2027 Presidential Bid His ‘Last Attempt’, Backs Opposition Coalition

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has confirmed that his planned bid for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027 will likely be his final attempt to lead the country.

Atiku made the declaration during an exclusive interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, where he reflected on his long-standing presidential ambition, Nigeria’s political direction, and the need for a broad opposition alliance to challenge the ruling party in the next general election.

Responding to a question about whether turning 80 by 2027 would raise the stakes for him politically, the former vice president acknowledged that the race would probably mark his last attempt at the presidency.

“Certainly yes, because the stakes are higher and I believe that will be my last outing,” Atiku said.

Long Political Journey

Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s vice president from 1999 to 2007 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has contested the presidency several times across different political platforms.

He first ran in the 2011 presidential election on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria but lost to then President Goodluck Jonathan.

After returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he secured the party’s ticket in the 2019 election but was defeated by former President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He again contested in the 2023 presidential election as the PDP candidate but lost to the incumbent president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‘Experience Still Matters’

Speaking on his motivation to remain politically active despite criticisms that he represents the old political order, Atiku argued that Nigeria’s leadership challenges require a combination of experience and innovation.

“I represent both the past and the future,” he said, noting that although younger leaders are emerging across the country, many still require mentorship and governance experience.

According to him, his years in government — particularly his tenure as vice president — provided practical insights into governance that cannot be easily acquired outside public office.

He added that failures in leadership at various levels of government highlight the importance of experienced leadership to guide institutional reforms.

Push for Opposition Coalition

Atiku also revealed that he played a key role in initiating ongoing efforts to build a coalition among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the PDP cannot regain power without forming strategic alliances.

“I don’t see a future for PDP unless there is a coalition, a broad-based coalition or alliance,” he said, explaining that his position was initially resisted by the party leadership.

He said the coalition effort, which involves the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political actors, is aimed at presenting a united front capable of defeating the ruling APC.

Atiku noted that political alliances have historically played decisive roles in electoral victories in Nigeria.

Open to Consensus Candidate

On whether he would step down for another candidate if a consensus emerges within the coalition, Atiku said he is willing to support whoever emerges through a transparent and credible process.

“If we don’t get consensus, then we go for elections. I will support anybody who emerges,” he said.

He added that he would also support former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, if he emerges as the consensus candidate.

Criticism of Tinubu Administration

The former vice president also took a swipe at the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing dissatisfaction with its economic policies and governance approach.

“Bola has been a very bad president, to be honest with you… it’s a disappointment,” Atiku said.

He further alleged that democratic institutions are gradually being weakened and warned against what he described as an increasing concentration of power in the presidency.

On Zoning and Constitutional Reform
Addressing the long-running debate over zoning and rotational presidency, Atiku argued that the principle is not constitutionally binding outside the PDP and should not be applied rigidly across all political parties.

However, he acknowledged that he once opposed constitutional provisions for rotational leadership — a position he now considers a mistake.

“If it was in the constitution, we wouldn’t be having these arguments about who should run,” he said, pledging support for constitutional reforms that would institutionalise power rotation among Nigeria’s regions.

Security, Economy and Corruption Allegations

On security, Atiku described it as one of the most urgent issues confronting Nigeria, stressing that economic development cannot occur in the absence of peace and stability.

He called for improved training, funding and welfare for security personnel, alongside stronger institutional accountability.

Responding to longstanding corruption allegations against him, Atiku dismissed them as politically motivated, insisting that past investigations did not establish any wrongdoing.

“My corruption perception only arose through allegations which were not proved,” he said.

Call to Nigerians

Atiku urged Nigerians to vote out the ruling APC in the next election, warning that the country risks deeper economic and governance challenges if the current administration remains in power.
“They should vote out APC if they want their future,” he said. “I don’t see a pathway to a brighter future for Nigeria in APC.”