‘Win Or Lose, 2027 Is My Last’ – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that the 2027 presidential election will be his final attempt to become President of Nigeria, regardless of the outcome.

Atiku made the declaration during an interview with Arise News, where he discussed his political ambitions, the emerging opposition coalition and his plans ahead of the 2027 general election.

The former vice president described the 2027 contest as a high-stakes election, saying he believes it will be his “last outing” in the race for Nigeria’s presidency.

When pressed on whether he would seek the presidency again after 2027, Atiku reportedly gave an unequivocal response, indicating that he would not return to the presidential race in 2031.

The declaration comes as Atiku plays a prominent role in efforts to build a broad opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 election. He has emerged as one of the leading figures behind the coalition, which brings together politicians and supporters from different political parties, including the PDP, Labour Party, NNPP and APC.

Willing to Step Aside for Another Candidate

Despite his determination to contest in 2027, Atiku has also indicated that his personal ambition would not stand in the way of the opposition coalition.

He said he would be willing to step aside for any candidate who emerges through the coalition’s agreed process, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

According to reports, Atiku said the coalition would first seek to produce a consensus candidate, but could resort to a primary election if consensus could not be reached. He pledged to support whoever emerges from the process.

Atiku Defends His Experience

Atiku, who has been a major figure in Nigerian politics for decades, also defended his continued presidential ambition despite criticism over his age and long political career.

He argued that his experience remains an important asset, describing himself as someone who represents both the past and the future.

He maintained that younger political leaders can benefit from the experience and mentorship of older politicians, pointing to his own experience serving as vice president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Zoning and the North-South Debate

The former vice president also addressed the contentious issue of zoning ahead of 2027.

Atiku argued that the South has occupied the presidency for more years than the North since 1999, challenging the argument that the presidency must automatically return to the South in 2027.

He nevertheless said he now supports the idea of constitutionally entrenching rotational presidency. Atiku acknowledged that he previously opposed such an arrangement but said he now considers that position a mistake.

A Final Political Battle

Atiku’s declaration gives added significance to his 2027 ambition. Having contested for the presidency several times, the former vice president is now preparing for what he describes as his final opportunity to occupy Nigeria’s highest elected office.

His willingness to support another opposition candidate if the coalition process produces a different flagbearer could also become a major factor in determining the shape of the opposition ahead of the election.

With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expected to seek re-election, Atiku’s final presidential bid could become one of the defining political storylines of the 2027 election cycle.

For Atiku, however, the message is clear: 2027 is the final chapter of his presidential ambition — win or lose.