By: Daure David, Political Correspondence
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially announced his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general elections, ending months of speculation surrounding his political future.
The declaration was made public by his longtime spokesperson, Tunde Olusunle, during an interview with ThisDay on Sunday night, August 24. Olusunle affirmed that Atiku remains resolute in his ambition to lead Nigeria, despite recent commentary suggesting otherwise.
The clarification follows remarks by Professor Ola Olateju of Achievers University, who implied that Atiku was shifting focus away from politics toward national development. Atiku, speaking from his residence in the United Arab Emirates, firmly distanced himself from the professor’s statements.
“Prof. Olateju was not speaking for me,” Atiku stated. “There was no engagement with me to distil my views. When people stand in for me at events, we preview my thoughts on the subject. That did not happen here.”
Atiku cited Nigeria’s deepening socio-economic crisis as a driving force behind his decision to re-enter the race.
“I will run in 2027. Nigeria needs to be decisively rescued from the intensive care unit it has been consigned to,” he said. “The degeneration in our country, the level of poverty and pain, the anguish, is unacceptable.”
As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Atiku reaffirmed his commitment to building a formidable coalition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He accused the current administration of fostering a culture of impunity and corruption.
“The accompanying deceit, the loss of values, the mega-scale, unimpeded thievery, and the absolute lack of accountability must disturb every concerned patriot,” he added.
Political analysts say Atiku’s announcement is likely to reshape the dynamics of the 2027 race, reigniting debates on leadership, governance, and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
