Given his recent political comments, realignments and permutations notwithstanding, Atiku Abubakar has not decided to run for president in 2019.
Atiku Abubakar
While speaking in an exclusive interview with Voice of Africa (VOA) Hausa when he featured on a magazine program on Tuesday, former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, said that he has not decided to run for president in 2019, adding that Nigerians will know when he eventually takes the bold move.
He said; “For now I have not made up my mind. When I decide, I will let the world know.”
According to
Premium Times, Azibola Omekwe, the national coordinator of a political group, The Atiku Rennaisance, said Atiku's statement is capable of demoralising his supporters, some of whom have already commenced groundwork for his 2019 bid.
Azibola said the 2019 ambition of Atiku has gained considerable momentum in recent weeks, a ‘moving train’ he said would be difficult to reverse.
He said; “Just recently, some people came out to say that they will sue the former vice-president if he fails to join the race. That’s how serious some of his supporters have now taken his ambition.”
Atiku's spokesperson, Paul Ibe, said the politician’s fans should not be demoralised by the comments. “He spoke in the context of his ongoing consultations, but he’ll eventually make up his mind to run. Those who have started politicking on his behalf should continue.”
Azibola a former state legislator in Bayelsa, acknowledged that the final decision on Mr. Atiku’s political choice in 2019 would be the former vice-president’s to make.
“But I’m sure he will ultimately decide to run because he’s the best option to beat President Buhari. We expect him to do this within the first quarter of 2018,” said Azibola.