ADC risks 2027 loss if it picks Peter Obi as candidate – Tourism Minister
Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria's Minister of Art, Culture and Tourism, has warned that fielding Peter Obi as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for 2027 would be the "fastest way" for the opposition to lose the election. Speaking on the Mic One podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, Musawa also argued that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is not a match for President Bola Tinubu in the next election cycle.
Musawa stated, "I don't think Atiku is a match for Tinubu but he is a formidable opponent. Atiku as much as I admire him as a patriot, I don't think he is a match for Tinubu." She added that if Obi is selected as the ADC candidate, it signals the opposition's path to defeat. Regarding Atiku, she noted, "If it's Atiku on that ticket, it means the ADC doesn't recognize that the South should maintain power," referencing the zoning arrangement that favors a Southern president after Tinubu's term.
This commentary comes amid growing speculation about the 2027 presidential race and potential opposition coalitions. The ADC has been positioning itself as an alternative, with recent reports of a "massive influx" of members following Peter Obi's entry into the party. However, Musawa's analysis suggests a strategic risk in presenting Obi or Atiku as the frontrunner against the incumbent APC.
For Nigerians eyeing the 2027 election, Musawa's statement highlights the internal debates shaping opposition strategy. As the election nears, will the opposition prioritize a Southern candidate to honor the zoning principle, or will they go with the most formidable name regardless of regional rotation?