Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has responded to governors of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who have rejected the idea of forming a coalition or merging with any other political party.
A possible departure from the PDP to pursue his campaign was also hinted at.
“Whatever vehicle that will give us good governance in the future of our children and grandchildren; that is the vehicle we are going to ride on”
According to Atiku’s announcement on X, he met with a PDP delegation from Nasarawa State led by Jibirin Sabo Keana, and delegation of National Opinion leaders, led by Yusuf Sheriff Banki.
He said, “Yesterday, I met with a delegation of two groups, during which I briefed them about the status of the pan-Nigerian coalition that I am building in conjunction with other leaders and stakeholders across political divides and regions.
“I informed them that the Nigerian Movement is being powered by Nigerians desirous of reclaiming and rebuilding their country from across the nooks and crannies of our country.
“Indeed, the Coalition Train has left the station and would have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades.
“First was the meeting with a delegation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Nasarawa State, led by Alhaji Jibirin Sabo Keana. The second was a delegation of National Opinion leaders, led by Hon. Yusuf Sheriff Banki.”
READ 2027: PDP Wouldn’t Nominate Atiku – Bode George
This comes after the governors who were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, came to a unanimous decision on April 13 to refrain from joining any coalition or merger.
A statement announcing the decision was issued at the end of the Forum’s meeting in Ibadan. Bala Mohammed, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, read the statement and provided a clarification.
It reads, “The Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger. However, as a major opposition party, it welcomes any party, persons, or groups willing to join it with a view to wrestling power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.”
Meanwhile, Bode George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman (South-West), on Monday declared that the party will not put Atiku Abubakar forward for the presidency in 2027.
George emphasized that Atiku is free to choose a ticket at any party. In 2027, but if he runs for the PDP again, the party would completely fold.
The PDP leader made the remarks while appearing as a guest on Monday’s episode of Politics Today on Channels Television.
After choosing and staking everything on Atiku as the PDP candidate in 2023, they are still remorseful over the decision, according to George.
George said, “We had, and I am repeating, eight years of zoning presidential candidate in the north by Section 7 Subsection 3C of our party. Once the North has held the position for eight years, it should have come down to the South.
“Who was the last president for eight years? It was my Oga, General Buhari. So how would another person, Atiku, who is also a northerner, take over the presidential ticket? We messed up. They were completely mesmerised by the procedure, and we told them that it would land in the bush.”
George responded to the question of whether Atiku had any possibility of becoming the PDP presidential candidate in 2027 by saying, “He cannot be.
“This is what I am saying. They have spent eight years in the north. It should be the turn of a southern candidate. That is the doctrine of the founding fathers of the PDP.
“I am not saying he can’t contest. He can go to any party and pick a ticket. If he becomes the PDP candidate again in 2027, that will be the end of this party. We will not accept it.”