In Nigeria, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has hinted that he would support the candidacy of another opposition leader, Peter Obi, in 2027 if the PDP decided that it was the South-East’s turn.

“I have said repeatedly and I even said it before the 2023 general elections that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it. As long as it’s the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party.

“If the party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him,” Atiku declared in a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service.

Responding to questions following his meeting with Obi earlier this week, Atiku said, “It’s just a normal friendly meeting that we often have, particularly among us in the opposition parties. Such meetings are healthy for Nigeria’s democracy and in the country’s interest.”

On whether this will bring about a merger, he said, “Yes, it’s very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible, and nothing can stop it if we wish to achieve that.”

The former Vice President, who denied that the choice of presidential candidate might frustrate the possibility of likely political coalition stressed, “That’s not true. That challenge will not arise. I can tell you that the choice of who will fly the flag of the party won’t be an issue.”

Atiku responded, “Yes, we can’t keep quiet and watch things go wrong,” when asked whether he was still involved in politics. We are dedicated to improving Nigeria because we know that people are suffering.

“It means you are not tired of the politics of Nigeria? Not at all. I am still in active politics in Nigeria, at least, as long as God permits.

“My age doesn’t stop the young ones from testing their fate. Everybody, irrespective of age, is allowed to aspire to be anybody in the society, politically or otherwise.”

On his 2027 Presidential ambition, Atiku revealed “That would depend on the decision of my party. I can’t make any categorical statement on that. The party must decide on the way to go in the next election.

“Until that time comes. Let’s just wait and see how it will turn out.

“It must not be interpreted like that. I must not be eyeing elections to have meetings with political friends and associates. Currently, we are practising democracy in this country which we fought for with our blood.”

In 2019, former APC President Muhammadu Buhari beat Atiku and Obi running jointly on the PDP platform. But Obi, who was Atiku’s running partner in 2019, defected from the PDP to run for president of the Labour Party in 2023 because of internal strife.