Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has echoed his support for former opponent and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
Atiku who recently met with Peter Obi earlier this week in a close-door meeting in Abuja has sparked speculations about a possible merger of some opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Atiku explained the reason behind the meeting.
“It’s just a normal friendly meeting that we often have, particularly we in the opposition parties. Such meetings are healthy for Nigeria’s democracy and for the country’s interest,” Atiku said.
When asked if the meeting was to form a merger or alliance between his party, the PDP, and the Labour Party, Atiku responded, “Yes, it’s very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible and nothing can stop it if we so wish to achieve that.”
Regarding concerns that choosing a presidential candidate might be a challenge, Atiku dismissed them. “That’s not true. That challenge will not arise. I can tell you that the choice of who will fly the flag of the party won’t arise,” he stated confidently.
When asked if he would support Peter Obi if the party decided it was the turn of the South-East, Atiku said, “If the party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him.”
Atiku confirmed that discussions about the merger are ongoing but did not provide a specific timeline. “We are still discussing the issue, and in the right time we would make our position known,” he said.
Despite being expected to step back after the 2023 elections, Atiku remains active in politics.
“Yes, we can’t keep quiet and watch things go wrong. People are suffering and we are committed to making Nigeria a better place,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about his age and political future, Atiku said, “My age doesn’t 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.”
On the possibility of contesting in the 2027 elections, Atiku stated, “That would depend on the decision of my party. I can’t make any categorical statement on that. It’s the duty of the party to decide on the way to go in the next election.”
Atiku emphasized that his recent meetings should not be solely interpreted as preparations for the next election.
“It must not be interpreted like that. I must not be eyeing elections to have meetings with political friends and associates,” he said, adding, “Currently, we are practicing democracy in this country which we fought for with our blood. Many people lost their lives in the struggle. As a result, we would continue to ensure that democracy is strengthened in the country. We can’t watch from the sidelines as things are getting bad.”
