2027: Fayose Backs Tinubu, Says Atiku-Obi Alliance May Not Stop Him

By Opeyemi Adelakun

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has said a possible alliance between former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi would not, in his assessment, prevent President Bola Tinubu from winning the 2027 presidential election.

Fayose spoke during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, against the backdrop of growing political realignments and discussions about opposition cooperation ahead of the next presidential poll.

The former governor said the political calculations would become more difficult for Atiku and Obi if they entered the race separately because their supporters could be divided among multiple opposition candidates.

However, he maintained that even a joint ticket or alliance between the two would not be sufficient to defeat Tinubu.

“It’s a three-way horse; maybe I am not putting it right. Atiku is there, and Obi is there. Even if they come together, this man (Tinubu) will still defeat them,” Fayose said.

He argued that the South-West would be particularly important to Tinubu’s electoral calculations, projecting a five million to six million vote advantage for the President in the region.

Fayose questioned the ability of Atiku and Obi to build enough political structures in states including Ekiti, Osun and Ondo to significantly challenge Tinubu.

He also predicted that Tinubu would obtain more than 12 million votes nationally.

“This politics is not a tea party. Asiwaju will have over 12 million votes. To rig the election now is very difficult. Very, very difficult,” he said.

The former governor’s comments come as opposition figures continue to explore possible political cooperation ahead of 2027, while the ruling APC has been highlighting its membership strength and the record of the Tinubu administration.

Ima Niboro, spokesperson for the APC presidential campaign council, recently said the party had 12.8 million registered members and described the figure as a strong electoral base for the 2027 contest.

Niboro also argued that Tinubu’s administration had recorded sufficient progress to justify another term.