2027: Atiku lacks Buhari’s stature, acceptance to stop Tinubu – APC chieftain

Dr. Iliyasu Kwankwaso, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, has stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar does not have the political influence and northern acceptance of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. Kwankwaso made this assertion in a recent interview with journalists in Abuja. He argued that the political landscape in northern Nigeria has evolved significantly, making it challenging for opposition politicians to rely on ethnic and regional sentiments to secure electoral support.

Kwankwaso maintained that Atiku, who has run for president multiple times, has not developed a political following comparable to Buhari's, particularly among the Hausa-Fulani voters, who were a crucial part of Buhari's support base. He pointed out that Atiku lacks the size, stature, and acceptance of Buhari to pose a threat to President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027.

Kwankwaso also questioned Atiku's performance as vice president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007. He argued that the northern voters are increasingly focused on leadership performance, economic development, and policies that can enhance their living standards, rather than on ethnic or religious affiliations.

Kwankwaso suggested that Atiku's attempts to undermine the Nigeria Democratic Congress by appealing to the ethno-religious sentiments will likely fail.