former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has not decided to run for president in 2019.

• The former vice-president told VOA Hausa when he featured on a magazine program, Tuesday, that Nigerians will know when he eventually takes the bold move.

“For now I have not made up my mind, when I decide, I will let the world know,” he said.

Reactions:

• The National Coordinator of The Atiku Rennaisance, a political group, Azibola Omekwe said Atiku’s statement is capable of demoralising his supporters, some of whom have already commenced groundwork for his 2019 bid.

Azibola said the 2019 ambition of Atiku has gained considerable momentum in recent weeks.

“Just recently, some people came out to say that they will sue the former vice-president if he fails to join the race,” Azibola said.

“That’s how serious some of his supporters have now taken his ambition.”

Azibola, however, acknowledged that the final decision on Atiku’s political choice in 2019 would be the former vice-president’s to make.

“But I’m sure he will ultimately decide to run because he’s the best option to beat President Buhari,” said Azibola.

“We expect him to do this within the first quarter of 2018.”

• Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, said his boss’ fans should not be demoralized by the comments.

“He spoke in the context of his ongoing consultations, but he’ll eventually make up his mind to run,” Ibe said. “Those who have started politicking on his behalf should continue.”

Why the turnaround?

After using his resignation letter, Atiku granted a media interview in which he accused the president of failing on his promises and the Nigerian people.

He also accused Buhari of fueling ethnic and tribal divisions in the country, saying he will definitely defeat Buhari as Nigerians are tired of the APC government.

The attack followed allegations that Buhari was banned from travelling to the United States for 15 years as a consequence of his religious views – the Presidency replied, saying Atiku was the one that was banned.

These political comments and permutations do not align with this new announcement.

Besides, the former Vice President has been on Twitter talking about how he wants to help turn things around in the country and so, saying he is yet undecided is just ‘confusion’.

Also, in a reply to I Go Dye, Atiku wrote, “…My job is to be a bridge, which supports our young people achieve these ideals. I will never say only I can do this. I can’t do it alone. I need your support, I Go Dye, to help our economy grow, to ensure that within 10 years, our young people can take over completely.

“I Go Dye, I am not a person who says what he cannot do or show proof. I am giving you an invitation to sit down and ask me any questions you may have. I would also like to take you around, show you some of the businesses I have built, and let you speak to the young people who run those places. It is good to try to convince you that I can do better by our young people, but it is even better to show you.”

So, what do we make of the sudden indecision?