Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, says Peter Obi stands a better chance to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election than former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is widely believed to be aiming a fifth shot at the Nigerian Presidency.
El-Rufai stated this in a post on X on Thursday, saying Obi would do better than Atiku against the imcubent president, if he (Obi) picks a formidable Northern vice-presidential candidate.
According to him, Obi presents a greater obstacle for Atiku, because of his significant youth following and broad-based grassroots popularity.
Many blame the life-long ambition of the former vice president for the crisis rocking the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party, where he grabbed the party’s presidential candidate in 2023 after what was described as a “dollarised primary” to the disdain of current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who had also contested.
In any case, El-Rufai wrote, “Atiku is a force to be reckoned with. He also feels the stars have finally aligned in his favour.
“And although 2019 is thought to have been his best shot, this may be one of those ‘moment meets the man’.
“However, the sheer force of Obi’s numbers and cult like follower-ship brings a challenge. His appeal across the youth & this younger generation is one profound aspect of his leverage. Obi, as a flag bearer with a strong Northern candidate, would defeat Pablo on election day before our dear mother of the nation — Aunty Remi finishes his breakfast around noon.”
Bashir’s father was among opposition leaders who formed an alliance which was unveiled in Abuja on March 20 on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Apart from Atiku and Obi, other top politicians present at the unveiling of the coalition were former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, El-Rufai, former Senate President David Mark and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola among others.
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