Lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has weighed in on the 2027 presidential election, stating that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has the strongest chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu.
In a post shared on his X handle, @adeyanjudeji, on Wednesday, Adeyanju argued that only a Northern politician has the political strength to challenge Tinubu in the next election. He suggested that Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), would be best positioned as Atiku’s running mate if Atiku decides to contest again.
“The best Obi can get in 2027 is Atiku’s VP. This is because Atiku and the northern politicians now hold all the aces. Only northern politicians have the capacity to challenge Tinubu,” Adeyanju wrote. “Deluded obidients won’t still be able to read the room even with the clear handwriting on the wall.”
Adeyanju acknowledged that his statement might draw criticism from Obi’s supporters, commonly referred to as Obidients, but maintained that the political landscape favours a Northern candidate.
Atiku, a two-time presidential candidate, has been actively involved in coalition discussions aimed at unseating Tinubu in 2027. Reports indicate that opposition figures, including Obi and Atiku, have struggled to reach a consensus on a joint ticket, with some coalition members considering alternative candidates such as Rotimi Amaechi.
Political analysts have pointed to Nigeria’s unwritten zoning tradition, which favours alternating power between the North and South. Given Tinubu’s Southern presidency, some argue that the North may push for a candidate in 2027, making Atiku a viable contender.
Meanwhile, discussions within the opposition coalition remain unresolved, with Obi reportedly firm on contesting with his 2023 running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.
