Atiku plans to formally declare his presidential bid in the third week of July in Abuja

FORMER vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is set to officially declare his candidacy for next year's presidential elections during the third week of next month and commence a nationwide tour aimed at securing his party's ticket.

Last December, Alhaji Atiku left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under whose tutelage he served as vice president for eight years. Following his move, Alhaji Atiku was widely expected to become the PDP's presidential flagbearer but now he will have to contend with several other candidates, meaning he will need to campaign hard.

One of Alhaji Atiku's close associates said that the formal declaration slated in the third week of June, will hold in Abuja. He noted that Alhaji Atiku has been impressed with the outcome of his ongoing nationwide consultation, adding that a formal declaration would officially kick-start his campaign.

 “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will declare his intention to run for the office of the president in the second or third week of next month having gone round the country with his message of salvation for a nation at cross road. Leaders of thought and national statesmen are behind him but it is too early in the day to speak on what he is bringing to the table.

“He was at the Chatham House in April and that led to the postponement of the big event, the declaration. You will agree with me that he needs a nod of approval of the delegates first and I can say without mincing words that the Wazirin Adamawa is more than prepared to make himself available for credible, free and fair primaries where the party will pick its presidential candidate,” the associate added.

Among the possible other candidates who will seek the PDP's presidential ticket will be former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido and the current Gombe State governor Ibrahim Dankwambo. There may also be several defections from the APC, including the likes of senate president Bukola Saraki and the former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who could leave of President Muhammadu Buhari is confirmed as the party's presidential candidate.