Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar cannot defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, even if he forms an alliance with Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
Musawa made this position known during a recent podcast interview sighted by Politics Nigeria, that has now gained wide attention on social media.
She described Atiku as a strong political figure but maintained that he does not have what it takes to dislodge the ruling party in the next general election.
Speaking on the possible strength of the opposition, Musawa said Atiku remains respected in national politics but lacks the political momentum to overcome the current administration in 2027.
“I think I wouldn’t say I don’t think he is a match. I think he’s a formidable opponent. But I do not think in 2027 that Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as much as I admire him and he’s such a great patriot and, you know, he’s like a father of mine, I would say, but I don’t think he’s a match,” she said.
She went further to dismiss speculation about a joint opposition ticket involving Atiku and Peter Obi.
According to her, such a coalition would still fail to defeat the ruling party at the polls.
“I don’t think he’s a match even if Atiku and Peter become together”
Musawa explained that a merger between Atiku and Obi would trigger dissatisfaction among Obi’s loyal supporters, popularly known as the Obidients. She argued that many of them would reject seeing Obi contest as a vice-presidential candidate.
“So the Obidients that have vowed not to support, that’s going to upset a lot of Obidients because they’re not really willing to take Peter Obi as a vice-presidential candidate, are they? So that’s going to upset a lot of people,a lot of people are going to have to eat crow that said they wouldn’t support Peter Obi if he became vice-presidential candidate,” she said.
She also warned that making Peter Obi the presidential candidate in such an arrangement would further weaken the opposition’s chances.
“And if it’s the other way around, we will rather if Peter Obi is on the ticket as a presidential candidate, then that, is the fastest way the opposition is going to lose this election. I promise you. I promise you honestly,” Musawa stated.
However, the remarks have triggered mixed reactions across social media platforms as Nigerians continue to debate possible alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.