Stay away from elections, Nigerians want younger person in 2027 – Fayose tells Atiku
A former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose has appealed to Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, to stay away from the 2027 election.
Atiku has contested the presidency as a candidate on three occasions and an aspirant as many times with no positive outcome.
However, the former Vice President has vowed that he will continue to vie for the coveted seat and recently proposed a six-year single-term rotational presidency between the northern and southern regions of the country.
But, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on October 13, 2024, Fayose advised the 77-year-old politician to quit his presidential ambition to pave the way for a younger aspirant to take the stage.
”I am sure at this stage with all due respect to him, he would rather want to stay away from politics of contesting elections again,” the former Governor said.
He further argued that holding the presidency would lose its appeal and excitement for an octogenarian in the next election cycle, stating that Nigerians are yawning for a younger person to take over.
”By the time Asiwaju(Bola Tinubu) finishes, Atiku Abubakar will probably be 80 or 81 so what will be the attraction?
”We should leave the stage when the ovation is loudest, I respect him and I think Nigerians are craving for a younger generation than ever before so on what basis will Atiku come and contest again,” Fayose said.
Fayose joins calls for Atiku to give up the presidency dream
Fayose joined other prominent Nigerians who have called on Atiku to sacrifice his presidential ambition and lead a coalition that will provide a younger candidate, who can wrest power from President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the former vice president has remained adamant about his dream, continuing to display optimism at making the 7th-time his lucky charm.
When asked during a chat with Voice of America Hause in May whether he would try again, Atiku said ‘’God willing,’’ adding that he won’t back down from running for president “As long as God gives me strength, good health, and long life.”
“A former President of America, Abraham Lincoln, didn’t he vie seven times?” he asked rhetorically.
Meanwhile, Fayose opined that the structure that once made the PDP a formidable force has collapsed, leaving the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as the more recognisable voice of opposition to the incumbent government.
”As I always say we can defeat the APC but when we don’t have a party again how can we defeat them,” he said
”When we complain about the APC and we don’t have a party and you can say you will do this and that, but when Obi is the voice of the opposition now. The press will call Obi then call the PDP and when the Publicity Secretary is suspending people and vice-versa, so where is the party?” he added.
