Is Atiku Still the Best Candidate for PDP in 2027?

Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President, has made it clear that he still wants to become president. Although he hasn’t officially announced his plans for the 2027 presidential election, many believe he will run again.

However, the real question is whether his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is still the best option for him to reach his goal.

PDP’s Ongoing ProblemsSince losing power in 2015, the PDP has faced many problems. Instead of focusing on rebuilding, the party has been known for internal fighting and disagreements. One of the biggest issues has been the difficulty in agreeing on leadership positions, especially around zoning, which led to the G5 rebellion. These ongoing problems have made it harder for Atiku to achieve his presidential dream within the PDP.

Atiku recently called for a coalition with other opposition parties, like the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso’s New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), to challenge the ruling APC in 2027. But these talks haven’t gone anywhere.

The Labour Party is struggling with its own leadership issues, and Peter Obi, the party’s leader, is not interested in working under Atiku. Similarly, Kwankwaso has a strong base in Kano State and is unlikely to give up his political power to Atiku. This makes it clear that Atiku’s idea of a coalition was more about testing the waters than actually forming a new alliance.

PDP: A Party in Crisis with Few AlternativesEven though the PDP has many problems, it is still the most organized opposition party in Nigeria. The party has a presence in all parts of the country, and Atiku’s deep connections and national influence make him one of the top choices for the 2027 election. Many people within the PDP still see Atiku as their best chance to take on the APC.

However, there is growing frustration among younger members of the party. They feel that Atiku has been in control for too long and believe it’s time for fresh leadership. Many of Atiku’s supporters today weren’t even old enough to vote when he first ran for president, which makes some question whether it’s time for the party to move on from him.

Atiku’s Ambition: Is It Helping or Hurting?Atiku’s ambition to become president is clear, but it has led to concerns. Some party members feel that his long-standing ambition may be holding the PDP back from moving forward and finding new leaders.

However, for many others, Atiku is still the most well-known, experienced, and wealthy candidate in the PDP. In a party that’s struggling with unity, Atiku’s influence is still seen as the most reliable way to challenge the APC.