Atiku: Tinubu Can’t Win Free, Fair Election in 2027

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong prediction regarding the 2027 presidential election, asserting that the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu, stands "dead on arrival" against a united opposition. Speaking in a media chat on Arise Television, Abubakar argued that Tinubu's administration has failed Nigerians, exacerbating hardship and eroding confidence in governance. He pointed to the perceived weaknesses across key sectors and the emergence of strong opposition figures as reasons why Tinubu cannot secure re-election in a fair contest.

Abubakar's remarks come amidst broader political maneuvering and discussions about opposition unity. He acknowledged that the 2027 election would mark his final bid for the presidency, emphasizing the high stakes involved. However, he expressed confidence in the potential of an opposition coalition, drawing parallels to the 2015 election that saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) oust the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He believes the current opposition possesses greater strength and potential than its predecessors.

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With) a coalition candidate facing Bola Tinubu, Bola Tinubu is dead on arrival. This is not a slogan. It’s a fact. Look at the leaders of the coalition, where will Bola stand? Everything is wrong with President Tinubu. Perhaps, in my life, this is the worst administration I have seen in this country. I feel terribly disappointed.

Adding to the political discourse, the ruling APC, through its National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru, has urged the opposition to focus on their internal organization rather than blaming President Tinubu for their challenges. The APC leadership defended the administration's performance and characterized the opposition's problems as self-inflicted. This exchange highlights the deep political divisions and the intense competition expected leading up to the 2027 elections. From a Nigerian perspective, as covered by ThisDay, such pronouncements are typical of the pre-election political landscape, where opposition figures often critique the incumbent's performance and rally support. The emphasis on coalition building and the personal ambition of seasoned politicians like Abubakar are central themes in Nigerian politics, reflecting a dynamic where experience and strategic alliances are seen as crucial for electoral success. The debate over zoning, which Abubakar also addressed, further illustrates the complex regional and ethnic considerations that shape the nation's political narrative.

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I see a lot of future because within the broad coalition, you see people of my generation, you see people below my