Three Past Heads of State and Presidents That May Support Atiku Abubakar's Presidential Ambitions

As the former Vice-president of the country, Atiku Abubakar, warms up for the forthcoming presidential polls in the country, the two-time presidential candidate would need all the support he can get.

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Most especially, Atiku would need the backing of past Nigerian Heads of State and Presidents who have a large following and may be able to influence political decisions in the country.

In view of the foregoing, we will look at some former Heads of State/Presidents of Nigeria who may be in support of Atiku's presidential ambitions ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida

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Former Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, may throw his political weight behind the Adamawa-born Atiku Abubakar in his presidential ambitions if he gets the ticket of the People's Democratic Party.

While he was still in active politics, Ibrahim Babangida was a known PDP member and had tried to get the party's presidential ticket on one or two occasions. This means that the former head of state may align with a PDP presidential candidate such as Atiku.

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Furthermore, the former Vice-president had recently met with Babangida, in a meeting which was said to be a move by Atiku to get Babangida's blessings for his presidential dreams. The pair took a photo which indicated that everything went well.

2. Olusegun Obasanjo

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Former Nigerian president and Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo, may give his support to his former running mate and Vice-president, Atiku Abubakar.

Even though the pair had had some political misunderstanding, some reports suggest that they have squashed their differences leading to Obasanjo's declaration of support for Atiku's candidacy at the 2019 polls.

Obasanjo who has always been a PDP member until recently when he said he was no longer into partisan politics has been critical of the ruling party and as such may support any move by a candidate of his former party to dislodge them.

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Also, after a visit was paid him by some PDP members, the former president stated that he was ready to offer advice as an elder statesman, however, no one knows the extent of the role that his advice might play in the forthcoming presidential polls.

3. Goodluck Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has been touted to be making moves to defect to the ruling party, but it is believed that he would be supporting Atiku's presidential candidacy if he clinches the PDP's ticket.

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The belief is fuelled by the fact that Jonathan is still a member of the PDP and he has not openly announced his defection to the APC, which means that as far as the 2023 polls are concerned, he may be supporting his party's candidate.

Accordingly, if Atiku Abubakar wins the PDP presidential primaries, former President Goodluck Jonathan may support him since they may be in the same party at the material time.