PDP Publicity Secretary Urges Atiku Abubakar to Drop 2027 Presidential Ambition

The Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Comrade Richard Nwafor, has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to reconsider any plans of contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, yesterday, Nwafor advocated for the PDP to zone its presidential ticket to the southern region of Nigeria in the next general election.

He reminded party members that Atiku contested the 2023 presidential election under the PDP platform but was unsuccessful.

Nwafor also noted that Atiku had run in previous presidential elections and, in 2019, chose Peter Obi—who later became the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023—as his running mate, but lost decisively.

Referring to recent speculation about Atiku’s potential interest in the 2027 race, Nwafor expressed concerns over such ambitions, emphasizing the need for equity and fairness within the party.

“Several efforts were made in 2023 by PDP members from the southern part of the country to convince Atiku to allow a southerner to pick the party’s presidential ticket,” he said.

“This would have strengthened the principles of equity, fairness, and social justice within the party.”

Nwafor added, “Since the dinner in Yola, Adamawa State, I decided to remain silent and observe developments.

However, let it be very clear to those concerned that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, a man I respect so much, should bury the idea of a 2027 presidential ambition and support a southerner instead of romancing Obi when the two couldn’t reach an agreement before the 2023 election.”

While clarifying that his views were personal and did not represent his office’s official stance, Nwafor urged those close to Atiku to relay the message to him.

He insisted that the PDP must prioritize zoning its presidential ticket to the south in 2027 to foster inclusivity and renew the party’s leadership.

“We need fresh people to mount the podium of leadership in our great party (PDP),” Nwafor concluded.