Bashir El-Rufai, the son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, believes that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, is more likely to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
El-Rufai claimed in a post on X on Thursday that Obi, not former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has a greater chance of defeating President Tinubu if he selects a formidable Northern vice-presidential candidate.
He also highlighted that Obi poses a larger challenge for Atiku, owing to his large youth following and widespread grassroots support.
“Atiku is a force to be reckoned with. He also feels the stars have finally aligned in his favour,” he wrote.
“And although 2019 is thought to have been his best shot, this may be one of those ‘moment meets the man’ situations.
“However, the sheer force of Obi’s numbers and cult-like followership 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 one of the opposition leaders that established an alliance, which was announced in Abuja on March 20 under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The group intends to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Other prominent politicians who participated in the coalition’s announcement were Atiku, Obi, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, El-Rufai, former Senate President David Mark, and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola.
