Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has explained why he continues to pursue the Nigerian presidency despite several unsuccessful attempts to secure the country’s highest elected office.
Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, addressed the issue in an interview with the BBC.
The former vice president said his political journey had been shaped by his opposition to military rule and the difficult circumstances surrounding Nigeria’s transition to democracy.
He pointed to his earlier attempts to become governor and subsequent presidential contests as part of a political journey that has spanned several decades.
Atiku argued that previous defeats have not diminished his determination to continue participating in Nigeria’s political process.
His decision to contest again in 2027 comes after he previously ran for president on multiple occasions, including as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 and 2023.
He is now seeking the presidency under the ADC, amid a major realignment of opposition forces.
The 2027 election is expected to be one of the most competitive presidential contests in Nigeria’s recent political history, with Atiku, Peter Obi and President Bola Tinubu among the major political figures positioning themselves for the race.
Atiku’s latest explanation frames his repeated presidential bids as part of a longer political struggle rather than an ambition defined by previous electoral defeats.