Byline: IDNN Politics Desk
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has declared that the 2027 presidential election will not be decided by political parties alone but by ordinary Nigerians grappling with hardship and insecurity.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists in Abuja, Atiku dismissed predictions that either the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or the PDP will automatically dominate the race.
“It is not APC or PDP that will decide 2027. It is Nigerians who will decide, based on how their lives have been affected. If parties fail to provide solutions, Nigerians will reject them,” Atiku said.
He accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of worsening living conditions, citing inflation, insecurity, and unemployment. Atiku warned that if governance failures continue, citizens may abandon both traditional parties in favour of alternatives.
The former vice president also restated his belief that opposition parties must form a strong coalition to have a realistic chance in 2027.
“I have always said alliances are critical. Without unity of purpose, opposition parties will hand APC an easy ride,” he told reporters.
Analysts say Atiku’s remarks are aimed at positioning himself as the voice of disenchanted Nigerians while pushing PDP and other opposition blocs toward a merger. His comments come amid intensifying internal rifts within the PDP, where figures like Nyesom Wike have openly clashed with party leadership.
Political observers note that Atiku, who has contested five presidential elections since 1993, faces a challenge convincing Nigerians he can still offer fresh solutions. Yet his warning underscores growing frustration among citizens ahead of 2027.
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