Segun Sowunmi, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, has disclosed that he has twice asked the former Vice President about his intentions for the 2027 presidential race.
According to Sowunmi, Atiku remains contemplative and cautious about his decision, carefully weighing his options before making any public commitment.
“I have a deep respect for Atiku Abubakar, a man I admire greatly,” Sowunmi said, adding, “I’ve asked him twice, ‘Are you running? Are you done? If you’re running, what happens to the structure we’ve built? If you’re not running, we need to adjust our plans.’”
Sowunmi noted that Atiku has not given a definitive answer yet, remaining quiet and reflective on the matter. “He hasn’t said ‘no,’ nor has he said ‘yes,’ and I respect that. He’s still in a period of reflection.”
Sowunmi acknowledged the significant weight of a presidential campaign and the toll it takes, emphasizing that anyone who has faced the challenges and setbacks Atiku has experienced must carefully consider the decision to run again.
“Given everything Atiku has gone through — the experiences, the challenges, and even the betrayals — it’s only sensible to take time to reflect before making a decision,” he said.
While Atiku has yet to officially announce his stance on the 2027 race, his body language has led many to believe that he may be warming up to the idea of another bid.
Atiku has previously contested the Nigerian presidency six times: in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and most recently in 2023.