2027: Why Atiku/Obi alliance will sink ADC coalition – Keyamo

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has downplayed the prospects of a possible alliance between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 presidential election, asserting that such a ticket would lack demographic strength.

Speaking on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme, Keyamo said the coalition, though commendable for challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), does not pose a serious electoral threat.

“They are going nowhere in terms of demography,” Keyamo said.

“I like what is happening; they are putting us on our toes. It is going to make us work harder, but the numbers are not looking good for them.”

The minister particularly faulted the opposition’s strategy of pairing Obi with Atiku, arguing that the factors that once gave Obi momentum in 2023 would not be effective if he plays a secondary role.

“If you make Peter Obi the deputy to Atiku… three demographic factors delivered Peter Obi in 2023, but the three will collapse,” Keyamo claimed.

He explained that Obi benefited in 2023 from being the only major Christian candidate, gaining support from Christian voters; from ethnic solidarity in the South-East, where many felt marginalised; and from youthful voters who wanted a younger leader. According to him, these advantages would not apply in a subordinate role.

He further asserted that Obi would struggle to gain meaningful support in northern Nigeria, an area where APC has maintained a strong presence.

“If you put Peter Obi this time as president, he cannot penetrate the north. We have our structures in the north. We have governors and our structures in the north,” Keyamo added.

Both Atiku and Obi have yet to officially declare their 2027 ambitions, but their recent interactions and the adoption of the ADC platform by opposition figures have sparked speculations about a united front against President Bola Tinubu’s APC.