Senator Datti Baba Ahmed has stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pursued the Nigerian presidency for decades, tracing his ambitions back to their time during mandatory national service. The comment, made in an interview on Friday, January 9, 2026, offers insight into Atiku’s longstanding presence in the country’s electoral dynamics.

Ahmed said, “Atiku has been contesting for the presidency since my NYSC days,” emphasising the continuity of Atiku’s political engagement across successive election cycles. He framed this persistence as reflective of the former vice president’s sustained interest in national leadership and governance reform.

Political analysts have noted that Atiku Abubakar’s repeated presidential bids over the years have positioned him as one of Nigeria’s most enduring political figures. His continued influence spans different party platforms and electoral cycles, contributing to discussions about leadership experience, political strategy, and voter behaviour in a competitive multi‑party environment.

According to Ahmed, understanding the historical context of Atiku’s ambitions provides perspective on both internal party dynamics and broader electoral trends. He suggested that Atiku’s political journey reflects the challenges and opportunities inherent in Nigeria’s democratic process, where repeated attempts at the presidency shape public discourse and candidate positioning.

Observers say the remarks also shed light on the persistence of political aspirations among Nigeria’s elite, raising questions about generational leadership transitions, the role of experience in governance, and the expectations of a diverse electorate ahead of the 2027 general elections.