Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has made it clear that his current focus is on the immediate challenges facing Nigerians, rather than pursuing a bid for the presidency in 2027.
Atiku, who served as Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, emphasised that his primary concern is the ongoing hardship faced by citizens as a result of the policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Atiku’s stance comes in response to recent remarks made by Chief Bode George, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees.
George had publicly advised Atiku to abandon any ambitions for the 2027 presidential race, suggesting that Atiku should take inspiration from U.S. President Joe Biden, who, at his advanced age, has faced questions about his capacity to seek another term in office.
However, Atiku rebuffed this advice, arguing that the current focus should be on addressing the pressing needs of Nigerians rather than engaging in speculative politics about future elections.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku criticised the notion of prioritising the 2027 election cycle at a time when many Nigerians are enduring severe economic hardship and social instability.
He urged that attention be redirected towards the immediate and medium-term issues affecting the country, rather than the distant prospect of another presidential bid.
“We cannot afford to put the cart before the horse,” the statement read. “Atiku Abubakar’s preoccupation is not with the year 2027. His concerns lie squarely with the years 2024, 2025, 2026, and beyond.
He is deeply troubled by the plight of Nigerians who are suffering immensely due to the trial-and-error policies of the current administration.”
Atiku highlighted the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians under Tinubu’s leadership, noting that citizens are grappling with the consequences of what he described as poorly conceived policies.
He painted a grim picture of a nation where the average person is struggling to make ends meet, and where social and economic conditions have deteriorated significantly since Tinubu took office.
“It is highly insensitive to be fixated on the politics of 2027 when the 2023 electoral mandate has not yet yielded any tangible benefits for Nigerians,” Atiku’s statement continued.
“The average Nigerian is worse off today in every facet of life, from economic wellbeing to social stability. This is not the time for political grandstanding but rather a moment for serious reflection and urgent action.”
Atiku also took the opportunity to address Chief Bode George directly, suggesting that George should focus his efforts on advising President Tinubu to reconsider his policy direction.
He urged George to counsel the President on the need to reassess decisions that have exacerbated poverty, inequality, and division within the country, rather than speculating about future political contests.
“Bode George should channel his energy towards advising Tinubu to re-evaluate some of the ill-advised policies that have deepened poverty and divisions in our country,” Atiku asserted.
“This is far more important than prioritising the politics of 2027.”
Atiku’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among many Nigerians who feel disillusioned by the current administration’s approach to governance. With inflation soaring
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