Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, has cast doubt on the electoral strength of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Bwala, who spoke in an interview with Symfoni TV, said he was afraid that Peter Obi, who is expected to fly the flag of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), could attract more votes than Atiku in the next general election.
He said another possibility that worries him is the chance of Atiku finishing far behind other contenders in the race.
He said such an outcome could impact the legacy of the former vice president’s political career, particularly if it’s his last bid for the presidency.
Bwala reportedly drew the difference between the political support base of Atiku in 2023 and the situation ahead of 2027.
He said Atiku had the backing of many governors, senators and members of the House of Representatives in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last presidential election.
“But the political environment is not the same now. Atiku does not have the same support of powerful political figures,” he said.
He said no governor is now standing behind the former vice president as the preparations for the next election gradually pick up.
“I fear Peter Obi might get more votes than Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 election and my other fear is that he might come a distant fourth.
‘If that happens, his legacy as a politician in his final attempt could be affected.
“The PDP has some governors, senators and Reps who stood by him in the 2023 election but, as at now, there is not one governor supporting him.
“The fact is that Atiku Abubakar has never in his political career commanded more votes from the North-West.
