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

Dr. Iliyasu Kwankwaso, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar lacks the political influence and acceptance among northern Nigerians to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. In an interview with journalists in Abuja, Kwankwaso argued that the political landscape in the North has shifted significantly, making it harder for opposition politicians to rely on ethnic and regional sentiments to secure votes.

He emphasized that Atiku, who has run for president multiple times, has not built a political following comparable to that of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly among the Hausa-Fulani voters who supported Buhari in large numbers. Kwankwaso pointed out that Atiku does not possess the same level of stature and acceptance as Buhari, making it unlikely that he could pose a serious challenge to Tinubu.

The APC chieftain also criticized Atiku's performance as vice president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, questioning his ability to convince Nigerians that he can lead the country effectively. Kwankwaso noted that northern voters are now more focused on leadership performance, economic development, and policies that improve their living conditions, rather than relying on ethnic or religious affiliations.

He warned that Atiku's reliance on the ethno-religious card would likely backfire. Despite Atiku's previous electoral successes, including winning the presidency in 2015 with Buhari's support, Kwankwaso expressed confidence that Tinubu would remain competitive in the North in the 2027 election, even as opposition parties seek to build a regional coalition against the President.