The administration of President Bola Tinubu just clocked one year this May, yet preparations are already underway for the 2027 general election.
This administration came into power riding on the wheels of ‘Renewed Hope’.
However, months into the administration, renewed hope became renewed ‘shege’, as many describe it.
Indeed, many Nigerians could not believe themselves when they started missing the past administration of former President Buhari.
They had hoped and prayed that such a day should never come, but sadly, it did.
Lost Hope
Now, many Nigerians say they have lost hope in this administration, as a matter of fact, they cannot wait for it to come to an end.
This is what is boosting the morale of some political parties.
They too are eager to bring an end to the suffering of Nigerians.
There are people who still blame the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, for the tragedy which has befallen the country.
Blame Game
These people believe that if he had put the interest of the people first and work with the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Peter Obi, maybe, just maybe, the country would not have found itself where it is now.
Now, Atiku has said that he would step down for Peter Obi if only he is chosen as the presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.
Atiku appeared in an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday.
According to him, he would abide by the decision of party members if they unanimously agreed to zone the PDP’s presidential candidate to the South East.
Atiku added that if the party selects Obi as the presidential candidate in 2027, he will readily offer his support to him.
Presidential Ticket
In his words: “I have said repeatedly, and I even said it before the 2023 general elections, that if PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it.
As long as it’s 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.
“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 stated that it was too early to decide his presidential ambition or whether he would run for president in the 2027 elections.
Party Decision
He noted that it is the party members who will decide his fate.
He said, “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.
“Until that time comes. Let’s just wait and see how it will turn out.
“It 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.”
Atiku, Peter Obi Meeting
Atiku also spoke on his recent meeting with Peter Obi.
Peter Obi, Atiku Reunion: See What Nigerians Think
He stated that it could be a signal of a possibility in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
He said their meeting augured well for democratic governance in Nigeria while implying a possible alliance between the opposition parties.
Democratic System
The former vice president, who also dispelled claims that they couldn’t produce a consensus candidate at the meeting, couldn’t provide details as to when they would seal the alliance.
He said: “We are in a democratic system and don’t forget that we are those who fought for its entrenchment.
So, we are going to continue entrenching good governance and a sound democratic system.
We would never fold our arms watching things deteriorating.”
