Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has poured cold water on opposition hopes ahead of the 2027 general election, declaring that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stands no chance against President Bola Tinubu, even with Peter Obi by his side.
Speaking during a conversation shared on Instagram by TheMicon Podcast on Saturday, Musawa described Atiku as a respected political figure but insisted he lacks the strength to defeat the ruling party in the next election cycle.
“I think I wouldn’t say I don’t think he is a match. I think he’s a formidable opponent. But I do not think in 2027 that Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as much as I admire him and he’s such a great patriot and, you know, he’s like a father of mine, I would say, but I don’t think he’s a match,” she said.
The minister went further to dismiss speculations around a possible Atiku–Obi alliance, saying even a combined ticket would fail to unseat Tinubu.
“I don’t think he’s a match even if Atiku and Peter become together”
Musawa warned that such a pairing could backfire badly, especially among Obi’s loyal supporters, popularly known as the Obidients.
“So the Obidients that have vowed not to support, that’s going to upset a lot of Obidients because they’re not really willing to take Peter Obi as a vice-presidential candidate, are they? So that’s going to upset a lot of people,a lot of people are going to have to eat crow that said they wouldn’t support Peter Obi if he became vice-presidential candidate,” she said.
She added that the opposition’s prospects would be even bleaker if Obi emerged as the presidential candidate instead.
“And if it’s the other way around, we will rather if Peter Obi is on the ticket as a presidential candidate, then that, is the fastest way the opposition is going to lose this election. I promise you. I promise you honestly,” Musawa stated.
