Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria, has affirmed his intention to continue vying for the presidency as long as his health permits.

Drawing inspiration from Abraham Lincoln, the former American President who ran multiple times before finally winning, Atiku expressed his commitment during an interview with the Hausa service of the Voice of America in Abuja.

Atiku, who is 77 years old, represented the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as their presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections. He was defeated by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 and the current President Bola Tinubu in 2023.

As a vice president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, Atiku will be 81 years old in time for the next presidential election in 2027. Despite his age, he remains determined to keep contesting for the presidency as long as his health remains intact.

Referencing Abraham Lincoln, Atiku noted, “Even the former US President Abraham Lincoln contested seven times before finally winning.” He emphasized that due to the current state of the PDP, winning the election will require substantial support and collaboration with other parties, as a solitary effort would not be sufficient.

Furthermore, Atiku recently mentioned his readiness to support Peter Obi, should the PDP decide to nominate a candidate from the South-East in the 2027 election.

He reiterated, “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.”

Addressing his recent meeting with Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku described it as a routine friendly interaction common among opposition party members. He emphasized that such meetings are beneficial for Nigeria’s democracy and the nation’s overall interest.

When asked about the potential for a merger, Atiku confirmed the possibility, stating, “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.”