Former Edo State governor and lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has ruled out the possibility of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi winning the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Oshiomhole said both opposition figures have a “track record of electoral defeat” and lack the political momentum to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) successfully.
“Did Atiku not run with Obi before and contested against the APC? Were they not defeated?” Oshiomhole asked rhetorically. “Throw any number you want to throw. The point is that when these two ran together, they were roundly defeated by the APC.”
The former APC national chairman maintained that even if both opposition leaders reunite ahead of the 2027 elections, their fate would remain unchanged.
“They have a history of being defeated together and a history of being defeated apart. So, if they come back together, they will still be defeated,” he added confidently.
Atiku, who contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, and Obi, who ran on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), garnered a combined total of over 12 million votes but still fell short against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC.
Both opposition leaders have since aligned under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, sparking renewed political interest across the nation. However, Oshiomhole’s remarks reflect the ruling party’s confidence ahead of the 2027 polls.
Political observers believe Oshiomhole’s statement could further intensify the political rivalry between the APC and opposition blocs as preparations for the next general elections gradually take shape.
Yeye man