By Rafiyat Sadiq
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ruled out the viability of a proposed Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi presidential ticket under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
Keyamo, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, said such an alliance would fail to gain the kind of demographic support needed to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“They are going nowhere in terms of demography,” Keyamo said, responding to speculations of an opposition merger. “I like what is happening. It keeps us on our toes and will make us work harder, but the numbers do not favour them.”
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The minister claimed that three key factors contributed to Peter Obi’s performance in the 2023 elections but argued that these would no longer apply if Obi were to run as a vice-presidential candidate to Atiku under the ADC.
“In 2023, the other main candidates were Muslims, so Christians rallied behind Obi. Secondly, the South-East felt marginalised and saw him as their chance. Thirdly, the Obidient movement, made up of young people disillusioned with the older political class, backed him because he was seen as younger and different,” Keyamo explained.
He maintained that these dynamics would not be replicated in 2027 if Obi plays a secondary role on a joint ticket.
“This so-called ADC strategy to pair Atiku and Obi to combine their votes and defeat our eight million won’t work,” he said.
Keyamo also stressed the strength of the APC in the northern region, insisting that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party still enjoy significant support.
“If you make Peter Obi the presidential candidate, he still won’t penetrate the North. We have governors and established political structures in that region,” he added.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
