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Atiku’s Last Throw of the Dice

From ThisDay · (4d ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has confirmed his intention to run for president in 2027, stating it will be his final attempt.
  • Abubakar plans to advocate for constitutional amendments to ensure power shifts to the south in 2031 if elected.
  • He believes economic hardship under the current administration presents an opportunity for the opposition, particularly in the north, where he claims greater popularity than rivals.

In a move that has sent ripples through Nigeria's political landscape, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially declared his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Speaking in an interview with ARISE TV, Abubakar confirmed what many had long suspected: that he would once again vie for the nation's highest office. This marks his latest, and he asserts, final bid for the presidency, a long-held ambition he has pursued since 1993.

he is going to join the 2027 presidential race.

— Alhaji Atiku AbubakarAbubakar's confirmation of his intention to run for president in 2027.

Abubakar's strategy appears to hinge on capitalizing on the current economic climate, which he believes is causing significant hardship for ordinary Nigerians. He anticipates that the opposition will leverage this discontent to their advantage in the upcoming election. Furthermore, he aims to position himself as a champion for the north, asserting his popularity in the region over other prominent political figures. His proposal to amend the constitution to ensure a rotational presidency, shifting power to the south in 2031, is a key plank in his platform, designed to appeal to a broader coalition of voters.

this would be his last attempt

— Alhaji Atiku AbubakarAbubakar's statement indicating that the 2027 election will be his final presidential bid.

From a Nigerian perspective, Abubakar's perennial quest for the presidency is a familiar narrative. His consistent participation in elections, coupled with his significant vote-gathering capacity, particularly in the north, makes him a formidable contender. However, the article also points to the challenges he faces, including internal party dynamics and the formidable influence of incumbent President Bola Tinubu. The political discourse in Nigeria often revolves around regional power balances and economic well-being, and Abubakar's campaign is set to engage directly with these critical issues, promising a closely watched electoral contest.

he is more popular in the north than Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Mallam Nasir el-Rufai.

— Alhaji Atiku AbubakarAbubakar's assertion of his political influence in the northern region of Nigeria.
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Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.