Comrade Richard Nwafor, the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar against seeking the presidential nomination in the 2027 elections, emphasizing the need for fresh leadership within the party.
During a press conference held in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, Nwafor urged Atiku to refrain from his alleged efforts to forge an alliance with Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, ahead of the upcoming elections.
Nwafor suggested that the PDP should reserve its presidential ticket for a candidate from southern Nigeria in the next election cycle.
He reminded attendees that Atiku ran for president under the PDP in 2023 but did not succeed. Furthermore, he highlighted that Atiku had previously participated in presidential races, including one in which he chose Obi as his running mate, ultimately facing a significant defeat.
Expressing his bewilderment over the ongoing speculation regarding Atiku’s potential candidacy in 2027, Nwafor pointed out that many within the PDP, especially from the southern region, attempted to persuade Atiku to allow a southern candidate to secure the party’s presidential nomination in 2023, a move that would have fostered fairness and equity within the party.
“Since the gathering in Yola, Adamawa State, I have chosen to observe quietly as events unfold,” he stated.
“However, it is important for those involved to understand that I have great respect for His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, but he should abandon any ambitions for the presidency in 2027 and support a southern candidate instead of attempting to court Obi, especially when they could not reach an understanding before the 2023 election.”
Nwafor clarified that this perspective is his personal opinion and does not reflect the views of his office as a whole.
He urged those close to Atiku to convey his message, asserting that the 2027 presidential ticket should be designated for the southern region of Nigeria, regardless of the challenges.
“We require new individuals to lead our great party (PDP) into the future,” Nwafor concluded.
