The media adviser to former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has revealed why his principal is yet to formally declare his intention to run for the 2027 presidency.
Speaking in an interview with Trust TV, Ibe disclosed that Atiku is intentionally holding back his declaration in order to build a credible political structure that can support the 2027 race.
The media aide submitted that some political actors want Atiku to fall for the bait of early declaration.
He, however, stated that, before the 2027 tsunami begins, the former Vice President is focused on building a viable political platform for the coalition that can withstand whatever storm may come in the bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu.
Naijaonpoint reports that Ibe, however, reiterated the commitment of Atiku to the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC), stating that there is no turning back on the decision to join others, such as former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in pitching his tent with the ADC coalition.
“Atiku Abubakar will not fall for that bait.
“The real work now is putting structures in place so that when the tsunami begins, the platform will be ready to carry everyone who will align and realign.”
“His resignation from the PDP and alignment with the ADC are irreversible. He has no reservations. He is in full support with his body, soul, and resources,” Ibe said.
He added that when the time is right, Atiku will make a formal declaration for the 2027 presidency.
“When do you serve a meal? You serve it when it is ready,” Ibe submitted.
The statement follows earlier clarification that Atiku has not stepped down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reports earlier suggested that Atiku vowed he would step aside from the 2027 presidential contest if a younger aspirant defeated him to secure the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket.
The Wazirin Adamawa reportedly made this known during an interview with the BBC. He explained that his focus for now is to help build the ADC into a strong party with national and grassroots structures.
However, in a statement released on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the reports as a deliberate misrepresentation of his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service.
Ibe explained that both the video and transcripts of the interview, in Hausa and in English, were carefully reviewed and nowhere did Atiku say, suggest, or imply that he would step down for anyone.
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