2027 Election: Atiku–Obi Ticket Can’t Beat Tinubu, Says Minister

Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has played down claims that a joint presidential ticket between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra governor Peter Obi could defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Musawa made the remarks during an interview on The Mic On Podcast, shared on Instagram on Saturday, where she weighed the prospects of key opposition figures ahead of the next election cycle.

While describing Atiku as a strong political figure, she insisted he would still struggle against the ruling party in 2027.

“I see him as a formidable opponent,” Musawa said. “But as much as I respect and admire him, I do not believe that Vice President Atiku Abubakar would be able to match the ruling party in 2027.”

She added that even a combined Atiku–Obi ticket would not change the outcome.

“I don’t think he’s a match even if Atiku and Peter come together,” she stated.

Musawa also cautioned that such an alliance could further fracture the opposition, especially among Obi’s supporters.

“That kind of ticket is likely to upset a lot of Obidients,” she said, noting that many of them are unwilling to see Obi run as a vice-presidential candidate. “Some people will have to reconsider positions they once held.”

According to her, reversing the ticket—by fielding Obi as the presidential candidate—would be even more damaging.

“If Peter Obi is presented as the presidential candidate instead, that would be the quickest way for the opposition to lose the election,” Musawa said. “I say that very honestly.”

Her comments come amid ongoing debates within opposition parties, as Obi’s supporters argue that the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC) must present him as its presidential candidate for 2027.

The ADC, however, has warned Obi’s supporters against divisive rhetoric, stressing that such narratives would only work to the advantage of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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