Why Atiku Can’t Defeat Tinubu in 2027, Even with Peter Obi as Running Mate – Minister

Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has insisted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would not be able to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election, even if he forms a joint ticket with Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

Musawa made the remarks during a conversation on TheMicon Podcast, which was posted on Instagram on Saturday, where she described Atiku as a respected political heavyweight but maintained that he would still fall short against the ruling party in 2027.

Although she referred to the former vice president as a “formidable opponent,” the minister said she does not believe he has what it takes to defeat Tinubu at the polls.

“I think he’s a formidable opponent. But I do not think in 2027 that Vice President Atiku Abubakar… I don’t think he’s a match,” she said.

Musawa also dismissed the possibility of an Atiku–Obi alliance making any difference, arguing that even a combined ticket would not be enough to defeat the APC.

“I don’t think he’s a match even if Atiku and Peter become together,” she added.

She said such an arrangement could create serious divisions within the opposition, particularly among Obi’s supporters, popularly known as Obidients, who she noted may reject any plan that places Obi in a deputy role.

Musawa argued that many of Obi’s supporters have consistently maintained they would not back him if he accepts a vice-presidential position, warning that it could lead to resentment and voter apathy.

“That’s going to upset a lot of Obidients because they’re not really willing to take Peter Obi as a vice-presidential candidate,” she said.

She further stated that if such a deal happens, many individuals who had vowed not to compromise on their political choices would be forced into an uncomfortable reversal.

“A lot of people are going to have to eat crow that said they wouldn’t support Peter Obi if he became vice-presidential candidate,” Musawa added.

The minister also claimed the opposition’s prospects would be even weaker if the positions were reversed and Peter Obi emerges as the presidential candidate on the ticket.

According to her, putting Obi at the top of the ballot would be the quickest route to defeat for the opposition in 2027.

“And if it’s the other way around… if Peter Obi is on the ticket as a presidential candidate, then that is the fastest way the opposition is going to lose this election,” she said.