Okechukwu Urges Atiku to Step Aside for 2027 Race

Osita Okechukwu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race and take on a statesman role. Okechukwu made this appeal during an appearance on Arise Television's prime time on Monday.

He argued that Atiku's decision to contest for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket in 2022, despite calls for the party to zone the ticket to the South, contributed to significant internal crises within the PDP, thereby weakening its position as the main opposition party in Nigeria. Okechukwu expressed respect for Atiku, referencing their past relationship and the influence of late political figures Dubem Onyia and Chuba Okadigbo.

He emphasized that Atiku's actions have had a damaging effect on Nigeria's democracy, suggesting that it is not too late for him to transition into a statesman role for the country's benefit.