Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has cast doubt on the viability of a proposed alliance between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 presidential elections, warning that such a ticket would fail to replicate the momentum seen in 2023.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Keyamo argued that the demographic coalitions that propelled Obi’s performance in the last election no longer exist—particularly if he is positioned as a running mate rather than a presidential candidate.
“They are going nowhere in terms of demography,” Keyamo asserted. “I like what is happening because it keeps us on our toes, but the numbers are not looking good for them.”
According to him, the ADC’s reported strategy to unite Obi and Atiku in order to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s expected eight-million-vote stronghold is fundamentally flawed.
“If Peter Obi becomes deputy to Atiku, three key demographics that backed him in 2023 will collapse,” Keyamo said.
He broke down these demographics:
- Religious alignment: “In 2023, all other major candidates were Muslims, so Christians rallied behind Obi. That will change if he is not the main candidate.”
- Regional solidarity: “The South-East felt marginalized and rallied around their own candidate. As vice president, that sentiment will diminish.”
- Youth and Obidient movement: “Young Nigerians seeking generational change backed him over older rivals. As running mate, that enthusiasm will wane.”
Keyamo further emphasized that President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) maintain a strong political base in the North, backed by state governors and entrenched party structures.
“If Peter Obi is on the ticket, he cannot penetrate the North. We have our structures there. We have governors. We have the grassroots. We remain solid,” he concluded.
