2027: For Atiku to throw his hat in the ring would amount to campaigning for Tinubu – Solomon Dalung
Former Nigerian Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has suggested that Alhaji Waziri Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, should focus on mentoring Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s (LP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, if they are to form any political alliance for the 2027 general elections.
Dalung made the remarks during an interview on the ‘Mic On The Podcast’ program, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye. The podcast shared Dalung’s statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, drawing attention to his advice regarding the political strategies of Atiku and Obi in the lead-up to the next election cycle.
In his comments, Dalung urged Atiku to refrain from running for president in 2027, asserting that such a move would inadvertently support the current administration of President Bola Tinubu. According to Dalung, Atiku’s reentry into the presidential race would, in effect, serve as a campaign booster for Tinubu, potentially splitting opposition votes and consolidating support for the ruling party.
“I would advise Atiku to mentor Peter Obi if they are going to go into any alliance, but for Atiku to put himself in the ring again in 2027, that would mean campaigning for Tinubu,” Dalung stated. His position highlights a growing sentiment among some political observers that strategic alliances will be critical in challenging the dominance of the ruling party in future elections.
Dalung’s advice is notable as it signals a shift in thinking within the opposition political landscape, suggesting that younger political figures like Peter Obi could play a more prominent role in future leadership, with experienced politicians like Atiku serving in a mentorship capacity.
Atiku Abubakar, who ran as the presidential candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has not yet publicly commented on Dalung’s suggestions.
