Former Ganduje Aide Identifies Key Opposition Figures for 2027 Presidential Race
Salihu Tanko Yakasai, the former media aide to ex-Kano State governor and former All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, has publicly named two prominent political figures he believes could pose a significant challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling APC in the upcoming 2027 general election.
Atiku Abubakar and Goodluck Jonathan Named as Potential Challengers
During a recent interview, Yakasai specifically identified former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former President Goodluck Jonathan as the individuals with the political stature to potentially unseat the current administration. He emphasized that Atiku Abubakar remains the strongest potential challenger, particularly if opposition parties can unite behind a single candidate.
"The only way they can come out en masse to vote against Asiwaju is if Atiku is the candidate. He will secure almost all the 19 northern states," Yakasai stated, highlighting the former vice president's enduring influence in northern Nigeria.
Regarding Goodluck Jonathan, Yakasai noted that the former president could also emerge as a formidable contender should he decide to re-enter the political arena. "If he steps into the ring, Goodluck Jonathan will be the best candidate because he will appeal to so many groups. He only has one term," he explained, referencing Jonathan's single term as elected president from 2011 to 2015.
Northern Discontent and Appointment Imbalances Fuel Opposition
Yakasai argued that growing dissatisfaction in northern Nigeria could significantly influence voting patterns in 2027. He claimed that many northerners feel marginalized under the current administration, particularly regarding federal appointments and project distribution.
"The part of the country that feels neglected and betrayed is the northern part of the country, because they made the president," Yakasai asserted, suggesting that this perceived imbalance has created resentment that opposition candidates could potentially leverage.
Opposition Unity Crucial for Electoral Success
While acknowledging the APC's continued political strength, Yakasai maintained that President Tinubu is not unbeatable if opposition parties can overcome their internal divisions and present a united front. He stressed that only a consolidated opposition rallying behind a single candidate stands a realistic chance of defeating the ruling party.
"From the look of things, nobody can defeat him unless the opposition repeats what the APC did in 2015, rally behind a single candidate," he cautioned, referencing the coalition that brought the APC to power.
Yakasai warned that without such unity, even widespread dissatisfaction may not translate into electoral defeat for the APC, emphasizing that fragmented opposition would likely benefit the incumbent administration.
Political Realignments Expected Ahead of 2027
The former APC aide, who was dismissed from Ganduje's media team in 2021 after criticizing the party's handling of security issues, predicted that the next two years would be characterized by significant political realignments, strategic defections, and alliance formations.
According to his analysis, the eventual selection of a consensus opposition candidate will be the determining factor in whether President Tinubu and the APC retain power or face a serious electoral challenge in 2027. Yakasai's remarks come amid ongoing speculation about potential candidates and coalition building as Nigeria approaches another crucial election cycle.
This political commentary contrasts with other predictions, such as that of Satguru Maharaj Ji, founder of the One Love Family, who recently forecast that President Tinubu would win re-election and that the APC would secure victory in most states across the country. These differing perspectives highlight the dynamic and unpredictable nature of Nigerian politics as the 2027 election approaches.
