Atiku Declares He Will Contest 2027 Presidential Elections


Atiku Declares He Will Contest 2027 Presidential Elections



By Torchlightnews 
August 25, 2025

Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President and perennial political heavyweight, has once again thrown his hat into the ring, announcing his intent to contest the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). At 81 by the time the polls arrive, Atiku’s declaration, recently amplified across X, reaffirms his unrelenting ambition to lead Africa’s most populous nation. Having officially left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after decades of loyalty, Atiku has formed a coalition with opposition leaders and fellow presidential hopefuls, including Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, positioning himself as the frontrunner for the ADC primaries. For a man whose political journey spans over three decades, this latest bid marks yet another chapter in a saga of persistent candidacy, raising questions about whether his drive is fueled by destiny or an unyielding personal quest.

A Serial Contender’s Odyssey

Atiku’s pursuit of Nigeria’s presidency is a story of resilience, strategy, and, some critics argue, stubborn ambition. His journey began in 1993, under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), when he vied for the presidential ticket during Nigeria’s ill-fated Third Republic. In a display of political pragmatism, he stepped down for Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, who won the primaries and the annulled June 12 election. That moment positioned Atiku as a kingmaker, but it also ignited a spark that has kept him in the race ever since.Fast forward to 2007, Atiku, then Vice President under President Olusegun Obasanjo, sought the PDP nomination but lost to Umaru Yar’Adua. Undeterred, he ran under the Action Congress (AC) banner, only to place a distant third. In 2019, as PDP’s flagbearer, he faced Muhammadu Buhari, securing 41% of the vote but falling short of victory. The 2023 election saw him again as PDP’s candidate, garnering 29% against Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) win. His legal challenge to Tinubu’s victory, dismissed by the Supreme Court in October 2023, did little to dim his aspirations.Now, in 2025, Atiku’s move to the ADC—complete with a coalition that unites disparate opposition voices—signals a bold pivot. His declaration for the 2027 primaries, where his storied history of dominating internal contests gives him the upper hand, underscores his sixth attempt at the presidency. Supporters on X laud his experience, pointing to his vice-presidential tenure (1999–2007) and business acumen through ventures like Intels and the American University of Nigeria. Critics, however, see a pattern of personal ambition overshadowing broader national interests, especially given his age and the evolving political landscape.

An Octogenarian’s Ambition

At 80, Atiku’s decision to run again places him among the world’s oldest presidential aspirants, a fact that has sparked both admiration and concern. His health and vigor are topics of heated discussion on platforms like X, where detractors question whether an octogenarian can navigate Nigeria’s complex challenges—economic instability, insecurity, and youth unemployment. Supporters counter that his experience, spanning decades of governance and business, makes him uniquely equipped. Yet, the optics of an elder statesman clinging to a lifelong goal cannot be ignored, especially in a nation where 60% of the population is under 30.
Atiku’s narrative as a unifier, leveraging his Northern Fulani roots and Southern ties through marriage, remains a cornerstone of his campaigns. His policy pitches—restructuring, economic liberalization, and security reforms—resonate with some but feel repetitive to others, who argue his ideas have not evolved significantly since 2019. The question lingers: is Atiku’s persistence a mark of dedication or an inability to let go of a personal dream? Within the ADC coalition, his expected dominance in the primaries amplifies these debates, as allies like Obi and Amaechi bring fresh energy to the table.

A Call for Generational Shift

Nigeria’s political stage is shifting, with younger voices gaining traction. The 2023 election showcased the rise of figures like Peter Obi, whose Labour Party campaign galvanized the youth and Southern voters with a message of fresh leadership. Atiku’s coalition with Obi and Amaechi in the ADC is a strategic masterstroke, but his repeated bids prompt a gentle reflection: might Nigeria benefit more from him embracing the role of a fatherly mentor, guiding the next generation rather than leading the charge? The ADC, now bolstered by this opposition alliance, represents a potential powerhouse for change. Atiku, with his vast political capital and track record in primaries, is poised to clinch the ticket. Yet, many within the coalition and beyond expect him to step down for a younger, verifiable Southern candidate like Obi, who at 64 in 2025, embodies a generational bridge. Obi’s 2023 performance, driven by grassroots support and social media momentum, suggests a hunger for new faces. Atiku could wield immense influence as a kingmaker, much like he did for Abiola in 1993. By yielding the ADC ticket to Obi or another dynamic leader, he could cement a legacy of selflessness, ensuring Nigeria’s democracy evolves beyond the grip of its familiar titans.

The Road to 2027

As Atiku prepares for the ADC primaries, likely in 2026, he faces a dynamic field within his own coalition. The APC may field a Northern candidate to honor zoning conventions, while the PDP scrambles to regroup without its longtime stalwart. Atiku’s business wealth and political network give him an edge, but allegations of corruption (e.g., Intels probes) and the need to unify diverse allies like Obi and Amaechi could pose hurdles. His active X presence (@atiku) keeps him connected to voters, but the platform also amplifies critics who urge him to step aside.Atiku Abubakar’s story is one of remarkable endurance, but Nigeria’s future may call for a different kind of leadership. As he embarks on yet another campaign within the ADC, the nation watches—not just for what he offers, but for whether he might, at last, choose to pass the torch to a new generation, leaving an indelible mark as a statesman who knew when to lead and when to guide.

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