As political activities gradually build toward Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, analysts believe the atmosphere is already taking a different shape from the emotionally charged contest witnessed in 2023. According to Olusola Sanni, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains the opposition’s strongest and most experienced contender ahead of the next general election.
Sanni argued that the momentum that fueled the rise of Peter Obi and the Labour Party in 2023 has significantly weakened, as Nigerians are now shifting focus from protest-driven politics to issues of governance, economic recovery, and national stability.
He noted that the 2023 election was heavily influenced by emotions surrounding the #EndSARS protests, youth dissatisfaction, ethnic sentiments, and debates triggered by the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress. According to him, those unique circumstances created a temporary political movement that may be difficult to recreate in 2027.
In contrast, Sanni maintained that Atiku’s performance during the 2023 election demonstrated political strength, resilience, and national acceptance despite several challenges confronting his campaign. He recalled that the former vice president contested under difficult conditions, including internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party and opposition from the G5 governors, yet still secured nearly seven million votes to emerge as the leading opposition candidate.
Describing Atiku as the “Most Valuable Player” of the 2023 election cycle, Sanni said few politicians in Nigeria’s history have managed to remain competitive despite facing internal sabotage, ethnic profiling, and a fragmented opposition landscape.
He further argued that the political realities ahead of 2027 would revolve more around competence, coalition-building, governance experience, and the ability to address pressing national concerns such as inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and economic hardship.
Sanni also praised Atiku’s role in helping to consolidate opposition interests around the African Democratic Congress, describing it as a strategic move aimed at strengthening opposition forces against the ruling establishment.
According to him, the ADC now presents a viable platform for building a broad national coalition capable of challenging the government in 2027. However, he stressed that such a coalition would require an experienced political figure with strong nationwide relationships and the ability to manage competing interests.
He insisted that Atiku remains best suited for that responsibility due to his years in public service, business background, and longstanding advocacy for restructuring, economic reforms, and national inclusion.
Responding to concerns about Atiku’s age and repeated presidential ambitions, Sanni argued that leadership should not be judged by popularity contests but by preparedness, endurance, political experience, and the ability to govern effectively.
He added that Nigerians and opposition parties must decide whether they merely want symbolic political participation or a serious candidate capable of defeating an incumbent president in a tough electoral environment.
Sanni concluded that Atiku possesses the national network, campaign structure, institutional memory, and political discipline needed to mount a formidable challenge in 2027. He stated that with the emotional and ethnic factors that shaped the 2023 election gradually fading, the former vice president’s core political strengths could become even more important in the next electoral cycle.
He therefore called on opposition forces to unite behind what he described as the most credible and competitive candidate available ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
