Table of Contents
Minister Hannatu Musawa Weighs in on 2027 Presidential Race
Hannatu Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and Tourism, recently expressed her views on the upcoming 2027 presidential election, asserting that neither Vice President Atiku Abubakar nor former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi stands a chance against the incumbent President Bola Tinubu.
Atiku Abubakar: A Respectable Yet Insufficient Challenger
During her appearance on the program Mic On with Seun Okinbaloye last Saturday, Musawa acknowledged Atiku’s stature and patriotism, describing him as a fatherly figure in her life. However, she emphasized that despite his formidable presence in Nigerian politics, Atiku is unlikely to outmatch President Tinubu in the next election cycle.
“While I hold Vice President Atiku Abubakar in high regard and admire his dedication to the nation, I do not believe he can surpass President Tinubu in 2027,” Musawa stated.
The Peter Obi Factor and the Obidient Movement
When questioned about the potential impact of a joint ticket featuring Atiku and Peter Obi, Musawa highlighted the internal dynamics within Obi’s supporters, commonly known as the Obidients. She pointed out that this group has firmly committed to backing Obi exclusively as a presidential candidate, rejecting the idea of him serving as a vice-presidential running mate.
Musawa warned that any attempt to position Obi as a vice-presidential candidate could alienate his core supporters, leading to significant backlash and diminished enthusiasm.
“The Obidients have made it clear they will not endorse Peter Obi as a vice-presidential candidate. This stance is likely to disappoint many within the movement who have vowed to support him only as the top candidate,” she explained.
Power Rotation and Political Strategy in 2027
Musawa also addressed the broader implications of Atiku’s potential candidacy in relation to Nigeria’s informal power rotation agreement. She suggested that Atiku’s bid could signal a disregard for the understanding that the presidency should remain in the southern region for two consecutive terms, a principle supported by coalition leaders and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
She argued that if Atiku were to run again, it would challenge the consensus on regional power sharing and potentially weaken the opposition’s chances.
“If Atiku is on the ticket, it indicates that the ADC and coalition partners are not honoring the agreement to keep the presidency in the South for eight years. This could jeopardize their electoral prospects,” Musawa noted.
Implications for the Opposition’s Future
Musawa concluded by stressing that the opposition’s strategy must carefully consider these political realities. She warned that placing Peter Obi in a vice-presidential role or ignoring the power rotation principle could lead to a swift defeat in 2027.
Her insights reflect ongoing debates within Nigerian political circles as parties prepare for the next general election, with analysts noting that voter sentiment and regional alliances will play critical roles in determining the outcome.
Contextual Update
As of mid-2024, political analysts observe that President Tinubu maintains a strong approval rating, with recent polls indicating approximately 55% public support, while opposition figures continue to strategize coalition-building efforts. The evolving political landscape underscores the importance of unity and clear messaging ahead of the 2027 polls.
