Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has stated that the division between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi will benefit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. Fayose argued that the opposition has weakened its chances by failing to unite under a single political party.
Fayose's Analysis of the 2027 Election Landscape
Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today on Monday, June 1, 2026, Fayose emphasized that the opposition's fragmentation plays directly into Tinubu's hands. Atiku Abubakar is contesting on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform, while Peter Obi is running under the National Democratic Coalition (NDC). According to Fayose, this split ensures that no single candidate poses a serious threat to the incumbent president.
“Nobody is contesting against Tinubu. You may not like to hear this. There is a difference between reality and noise on social media,” Fayose said. He further explained that if the opposition had remained united under one party, Tinubu would face a tougher challenge. However, the growing number of presidential candidates has diluted the opposition's strength.
Lessons from the 2023 Election
Fayose drew parallels to the 2023 presidential election, where a three-horse race among Tinubu, Atiku, and Obi allowed Tinubu to emerge victorious. He predicted a similar outcome in 2027, stating, “You remember that when Atiku and Obi contested, it was a major three-horse race and Tinubu had his way, and I’m telling you again, Tinubu will have his way with ease.”
Other Voices on the 2027 Election
Fayose's comments align with those of Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who also predicted a landslide victory for Tinubu in 2027. Lawal criticized Atiku's primary victory in the ADC as heavily rigged and labeled Tinubu the “master rigger” in Nigerian politics.
In a separate development, Anambra State Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo urged the City Boy Movement to mobilize support for Tinubu's 2027 campaign. Soludo highlighted the importance of women and youth participation in politics and called for strategic voting among the Igbo community to avoid wasted votes.
The opposition's inability to present a united front has been a recurring theme in discussions about the 2027 election. Analysts suggest that unless the opposition coalesces around a single candidate, Tinubu's path to re-election remains clear.
