Demola Olarewaju, Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has said a possible alliance between Atiku and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, could form the strongest opposition ticket against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Speaking on a Podcast show, Olarewaju suggested that combining both opposition leaders would offer Nigerians a governance model that balances experience, competence, and vision.
He proposed that a joint Atiku-Obi ticket could function as a “co-presidency,” allowing citizens to benefit from both men’s leadership strengths and reform ideas.
“I think the best bet would be to have the two of them on that ticket and give Nigerians this sort of sense of co-presidency,” he said.
He added that their similar ideologies and complementary leadership qualities would enhance the opposition’s appeal nationwide.
On youth inclusion in politics, Olarewaju emphasised the need for parties to provide meaningful platforms for younger generations.
He highlighted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a model, reserving 35 to 50 per cent of its leadership positions for youth and women.
“Nigerians deserve a party that recognises the strength of young people, Gen Z, even Gen Alpha, and harnesses their potential,” he said.
On generational transition, he revealed that Atiku has expressed willingness to step aside for a younger candidate if he loses in the party primaries.
“Atiku has made it clear that he’s ready to support any younger candidate who can win the primary. But for now, he remains the strongest opposition figure with the experience and network to challenge Tinubu,” Olarewaju stated.
He concluded that an alliance between Atiku and Obi would be a formidable political force, combining the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) structure with the Labour Party’s grassroots energy.
“The strongest ticket that the opposition can present is the marriage of Atiku and Obi. Their political philosophies are similar, and their partnership would not just be strategic; it would be powerful enough to reshape Nigeria’s political balance in 2027.”