Senator Datti Baba Ahmed has revealed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s ambitions for Nigeria’s presidency date back to his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) days, highlighting a longstanding pursuit of national leadership.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Baba Ahmed noted, “Atiku has been contesting for the presidency since my NYSC days,” emphasizing the continuity of his political aspirations over the decades. The senator added that this historical context sheds light on Atiku’s enduring influence within Nigerian politics and his persistent engagement in national governance matters.
Baba Ahmed contextualized this revelation within the current political landscape, where multiple parties and candidates are actively positioning themselves for the 2027 general elections. He observed that Atiku’s early political ambitions have shaped both his party strategies and his interactions with other political actors, influencing decisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the broader political spectrum.
The senator further discussed the importance of understanding historical political trajectories to interpret contemporary electoral dynamics. He suggested that Atiku’s long-term engagement in politics provides insights into voter behavior, party loyalty, and the strategies deployed by seasoned politicians in navigating Nigeria’s complex political environment.
Baba Ahmed also highlighted that while ambition is a natural aspect of political life, public perception, performance, and credibility remain decisive factors for electoral success. According to him, Nigerian voters increasingly weigh a candidate’s track record and capacity for governance alongside political longevity.
This statement comes amid renewed political mobilization and discourse ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties consolidating their bases and evaluating potential alliances. Analysts note that understanding the historical context of candidates’ political careers can provide a clearer picture of how Nigeria’s upcoming elections may unfold.
Atiku Abubakar’s longstanding presidential pursuit underscores the continuity of political ambition in Nigeria and the ways in which historical experiences shape contemporary electoral strategies.
