By Olusola Sanni
As Nigeria inches toward the 2027 presidential election, the political terrain has changed significantly from the emotionally charged battlefield of 2023. The protest-fuelled momentum that powered Peter Obi and the Labour Party has largely waned, giving way to a more conventional electoral environment where structure, experience, resilience, and national reach are expected to matter far more than social media enthusiasm or grievance-driven mobilisation.
In that emerging reality, one name stands out unmistakably: Atiku Abubakar.
If 2023 was a contest shaped by emotion, identity anxieties, and protest energy, 2027 is expected to become a referendum on competence, coalition-building, and the ability to convert public frustration into a viable governing alternative. By that measure, Atiku Abubakar remains the opposition’s most formidable asset and the African Democratic Congress’ most credible path to victory.
The 2023 election was unlike any before it. The lingering anger from the #EndSARS movement found political expression in Peter Obi’s candidacy, particularly among younger urban voters seeking disruption rather than continuity. That sentiment was further amplified by two highly combustible narratives: the perception of a “Fulani succession” after Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year presidency, and widespread opposition to the APC’s controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Together, these forces created a protest coalition driven less by ideological alignment than by emotional resistance.
Peter Obi’s performance was undeniably impressive within that context. However, it was a phenomenon tied to a specific moment in Nigeria’s political evolution—one driven by exceptional circumstances that may not be easily replicated in 2027.
Atiku’s performance, by contrast, reflected something deeper and more enduring.
Despite contending with a hostile political climate, ethnic profiling, and an internal rebellion within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by the G5 governors, Atiku still secured nearly seven million votes and finished as the leading opposition candidate nationally. That achievement was not accidental. It was the product of political resilience, institutional depth, national organisation, and a tested ability to compete under intense pressure.
Simply put, Atiku was the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 election cycle.
Few figures in Nigeria’s political history have faced simultaneous internal sabotage, regional suspicion, and a fragmented opposition—and still remained that competitive.
As 2027 approaches, the contest is shaping up to be fundamentally different. The protest energy that defined 2023 has dissipated, while the ethnic and religious flashpoints that influenced electoral behaviour have become less dominant. In their place is a harsher national reality: economic hardship, inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and widespread public frustration.
This next election will be less about symbolism and more about solutions.
In such a contest, experience becomes an asset rather than a liability.
Atiku has already demonstrated strategic foresight by supporting efforts to consolidate opposition forces around the African Democratic Congress (ADC), at a time when the ruling establishment is widely perceived to be strengthening its advantage through fragmentation of opposition platforms and internal crises.
That move, his supporters argue, reflects political anticipation and organisational instinct.
The ADC presents an opportunity for a broad-based national coalition. However, such coalitions do not emerge automatically; they require a bridge-builder with nationwide relationships, cross-regional credibility, and the capacity to manage competing ambitions.
Atiku, according to his allies, fits that profile more than any other figure in the current opposition space.
As a former Vice President, businessman, and long-standing advocate of restructuring, economic reform, and national inclusion, he brings both governance experience and a clearly defined alternative vision.
Critics often point to age or repeated presidential bids. However, supporters argue that leadership is not about sentiment but about preparedness, endurance, judgment, and reach.
The central question before the opposition is therefore straightforward: does it want to make a point, or make a President?
If the objective is emotional satisfaction, there are several options available.
But if the goal is to mount the strongest possible challenge to an incumbent in a difficult electoral environment, then the choice becomes clearer.
Atiku has the national network.
He has the campaign infrastructure.
He has institutional memory.
He has discipline forged through repeated contests.
Most importantly, he has demonstrated the capacity to remain competitive even under hostile conditions.
Without the distortions of 2023, these strengths become even more significant.
Nigeria, his supporters argue, deserves a serious opposition. Democracy requires a real contest.
And the ADC, if truly focused on victory rather than symbolism, should rally behind its most valuable political player. Atiku Abubakar remains that candidate.
Olusola Sanni is a media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
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