Debate on Whether Atiku Should Run In 2027 Rages

As the 2027 presidential election draws near, the debate over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s potential candidacy has intensified.

Despite losing twice to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, Atiku’s critics have called on him to step aside and allow younger candidates to represent the party.

However, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, a chieftain of the PDP, has come out in strong support of Atiku’s right to run for president, regardless of the number of times he has contested.

Sowunmi argued that the decision to run for office is a personal one, granted by the constitution, and should not be dictated by public opinion or party pressure. “The first thing people must understand is that a lot of suggestions, persuasion, argument, pressure, and bullies come into play in politics, but whether any human being will contest any election is purely the rights granted to them by the constitution and according to the platforms of the party,” he said.

Sowunmi expressed frustration that instead of focusing on how to win the general election, Nigerians are spending too much time trying to bully Atiku into stepping aside.

“I know very well that if anybody tries to bully him, you basically do only to make him more resolute in his position,” he added.

The PDP chieftain also pointed out that the party has the freedom to zone its presidential candidates in accordance with Nigeria’s constitution and the party’s own constitution.

“What law would you use to prevent somebody from contesting an election when we have even created laws to say anybody who wants to contest is free to contest?” he queried.

Atiku’s history of contesting for the presidency is well-documented. He has run for office six times, including his two losses to APC candidates Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 and Bola Tinubu in 2023.

However, Sowunmi argued that this should not disqualify him from running again.

“He has contested primary tickets in parties before that he didn’t win, and he has also contested primary tickets in parties that he has won.

“In 1992, he didn’t get the ticket at that time in SDP. In 2007, he won under AC, or ACN I can’t remember. In 2011, he tried to do it under the PDP, he didn’t really get the ticket. In 2015, he contested under the APC, he didn’t get the ticket,” he said.

Sowunmi’s comments have sparked a heated debate within the PDP and among Nigerians. While some agree that Atiku has the right to run, others argue that it is time for the party to look to younger candidates to lead the charge against the APC.

As the 2027 presidential election approaches, one thing is certain: the debate over Atiku’s candidacy will continue to dominate the headlines.

Will the former Vice President throw his hat into the ring once again, or will he finally step aside and allow a new generation of leaders to emerge? Only time will tell.