*Extends Same Condition For Other Aspirants Too
By our reporter
Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who is a frontline aspirant for the nation’s top seat on the platform of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), has taken a position on what his reaction will be, should he fail to clinch the ADC ticket for 2027.
Abubakar, fondly identified simply as Atiku by his supporters, said he will rally behind any candidate chosen by the party.
However, the former Vice President (VP), from 1999-2007, insisted that such candidate has to emerge through an internal democratic process of primary,which is slated for 2026.
Labour Party (LP) presidential flagbearer in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, and former Transport Minister in the Muhammadu Buhari administration, Chibuike Amaechi, alongside Atiku, are the top contenders for the ticket.
He disclosed the position while addressing ADC members at the welcome ceremony of new defectors from LP to the coalition party in Lagos at the weekend.
On hand to welcome them were ADC National Secretary and former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola; Senator Kolawole Ogunwale; and the State ADC Chairman, Mr. George Ashiru.
Represented by Achievers University, Owo don, Professor Ola Olateju, the former VP, who was guest speaker at the event, said he will back Obi, Amaechi or whoever the party produces as presidential candidate,if he (Atiku) does not get the nod.
On who will emerge as candidate, he declared: “It is not a thing we can predetermine. Whoever emerges through free and fair contests, we are all going to support.”
All aspirants, he said, were expected to get a level playing field even as the door is open for any aspirant to run.
Atiku added: “We are not imposing anyone on the people.”
However, analysts fear that a primary with delegates in tow will play directly into the hands of any financially well-stuffed aspirant who may deploy huge cash to sway votes.
Such candidate, they argued, may not necessarily be the best in terms of public acceptance, competence and other vital indices required to win the election against a sitting President.
PHOTO CAPTION: Atiku (left) and Obi.
