Segun Sowunmi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesman for the presidential campaign of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, revealed that he has asked the former VP twice about his plans for the 2027 presidency.
According to Sowunmi, Atiku is still in a reflective mood, weighing his options carefully before making a decision.
“Atiku Abubakar is one man I love with my bones. The heart will decay quickly but the bone is the last thing that will decay.
“I have asked him twice, ‘are you running? Are you done? If you are running, what do we do with this structure? If you’re not done we have to do something different’,” Sowunmi said. “He was quiet, he was still in a reflective mood. He’s not said ‘no’, he’s not said ‘yes’ and I respect that.”
He added, “Any sensible person should know that the burden of election is heavy. No human being that has had the kind of experience, challenges and even the kind of betrayal Atiku has endured should not reflect deeply before saying ‘I’m going to run’.
“I don’t do guess work. I’ve asked him twice, he didn’t answer. When he answers, whatever answer he gives, we’ll take it to the next level.”
It is believed that Atiku’s body language suggests he is warming up to run for the presidency again.
Atiku ran unsuccessfully for President of Nigeria six times, in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and recently in 2023.