2027: If Opposition Is Serious They’ll Put Amaechi Or Obi Forward — Akande

Former Presidential aide Laolu Akande has urged Nigeria’s opposition to rally behind southern candidates like Rotimi Amaechi or Peter Obi to mount a serious challenge against President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Appearing on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Akande stressed that a meaningful opposition challenge is vital for sustainable democracy.

“A meaningful challenge, the way you put it, is actually desired. You know, I even think it’s an imperative for a sustainable democracy,” he said. “And that’s the reason why, you know, all of us must hold our voice to the enlightenment of the democratic space.”

He criticised ambivalence within opposition ranks, particularly the “shadows of Atiku Abubakar,” the former PDP presidential candidate, who appears poised to seek another ticket.

“What ought to be clear by now, talking about the opposition, I mean the ADC is that the presidency is going to stay in the South. And that is one of the ambivalences that is affecting the true emergence of a serious opposition.

“Because we still have, you know, the shadows of Atiku Abubakar, who wants to run… I think we’ve gotten to a point in my view where the question of a national presidency has become a national concern. And it’s not wise, you know, for anybody to try to undercut that,” Akande stated.

He urged parties like the APC’s rivals to rally behind experienced southern figures such as Rotimi Amaechi, praising the former Rivers State governor’s credentials.

“If they were serious… people like Rotimi Amaechi, people like Peter Obi.. ought to be the ones to be pushed forward,” Akande argued.

“Look at Amaechi. Amaechi has been a speaker, he’s been a governor, he’s been an honorary minister. He was second in the APC. Tremendous career in politics, opportunities in service… And he was the guy that was in charge of infrastructure development.”

Akande warned that without a strong southern contender “who has some experience in governance, in public service, who can stand, go head-to-head against President Tinubu,

“As things stand now, if you keep on getting the vibes that Atiku wants to do it by his means, he will probably be able to forge his way through by some means, because he seems to be the strongest politician in the party,” he added.

“The shadows of Atiku are still hanging heavily.”

Akande spoke amid growing speculation about 2027 power rotation, with opposition unity seen as key to checking the ruling APC.