The unofficial race for the 2027 presidential election intensified yesterday as former President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar all reacted to fresh political speculations.
Jonathan, through his brother Robert Azibaola, berated Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, SAN, and legal scholar Professor Chidi Odinkalu for opposing his alleged presidential bid. Both men had argued that Jonathan’s attempt to run again would face legal hurdles, having been sworn in twice.
Azibaola dismissed their concerns, insisting Jonathan remains constitutionally qualified and does not need unsolicited advice. He warned the duo to “steer clear” of his brother’s political journey, stressing that if Jonathan eventually chooses to run, it would be on his own terms.
Meanwhile, FCT Minister Wike warned Jonathan not to be deceived by political actors urging him to contest, recalling how the former president was misled in 2015. Wike said Jonathan should protect his international reputation instead of being dragged into another divisive contest.
The minister also dismissed calls for former Anambra State governor Peter Obi to be handed the PDP ticket in 2027, describing it as a “recipe for disaster.” He accused some party leaders of arrogance and repeated mistakes that, he said, led to PDP’s defeat in 2023.
Wike further faulted ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai’s claim that President Bola Tinubu will finish third in 2027, insisting Tinubu will secure re-election. “I will put a bet. Tinubu will win this election squarely,” he said. He also ruled out any personal presidential ambition, declaring: “I have integrity. I will not run for president.”
On his part, Atiku Abubakar, through his media adviser Paul Ibe, said the outcome of the 2027 elections will be determined by Nigerians, not APC or PDP. He argued that a growing coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is people-driven and attracting defections from major parties.
“The APC and PDP may dominate headlines, but Nigerians are the real force. Recent defections show a momentum that will shape 2027,” Ibe said, pointing to thousands of PDP members in Lagos who have joined the ADC.
With Jonathan’s intentions unclear, Wike’s loyalty to Tinubu unwavering, and Atiku’s coalition push gathering momentum, the political chessboard ahead of 2027 is fast taking shape.
