Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said he has no intention of quitting what he described as a "lifelong ambition" of becoming Nigeria's President as long as he's still alive, strong and healthy.
Atiku’s statement which he made while speaking with Financial Times, became a subject of speculations on whether the former vice president is losing confidence on his chances of winning next year's presidential election.
Prior to the last presidential election in 2019, Atiku was accused of being desperate to rule the country, but denied the claims.
He said, “What do you expect my critics to say. I can run as many times as I want. I am fit and qualified and I still have ideas to put this country on the right path. What is wrong in trying again and again.
“I am not desperate to become President. If I were desperate, I would have taken the presidency in 2003. If I were desperate, I would not have stepped down for Abiola. I have the interest of this country.”
The presidential candidate who lost to president Muhammadu Buhari in the last election, is still hoping to get things right this time, but has many factors working against him since winning the PDP presidential ticket.
Atiku who has been at loggerheads with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State who came second in the presidential primary, fears that the internal crisis within the PDP, could cost him the election, and is believed to be doing everything possible to avoid waiting another four more years to give the presidency yet another shot.
“It is a life-long ambition," he told Financial Times, adding that "as long as I’m alive and strong and healthy, I will continue pursuing it.”
Atiku like Buhari, has had several attempts at the presidency since 1992, but only managed to serve as Vice President to Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007.