KEY POINTS

• The Atiku-Obi alliance is unlikely to unseat Tinubu.
• Tinubu’s camp touts economic recovery indicators.
• Youth Christian support may drop for Obi.

The Federal Government has waved off growing chatter about a potential political merger between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party’s Peter Obi, insisting it poses no threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027.

Speaking during a live political program on Sunday, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo dismissed the alliance as “an unfruitful adventure,” adding that the electorate is too politically sophisticated to fall for what he described as “expired tactics.”

Alliance won’t unseat Tinubu in 2027

Keyamo asserted that political gimmicks masquerading as coalition efforts no longer sway Nigerians, characterizing the move as a recycled playbook by old actors.

“They know us, and we know them. These aren’t new faces. The same 419 political tactics won’t work. Those tricks have expired,” he said, referring to the African Democratic Congress and its approach to electoral mobilization.

Keyamo also took jabs at unnamed opposition figures, accusing them of flaunting wealth while posturing as champions of the downtrodden.

“One of them is busy disgracing wealth—parking 500 cars in his garage—yet claiming to be the messiah of the masses,” he remarked.

Tinubu’s camp cites economic fundamentals

Defending Tinubu’s stewardship, the minister pointed to improving fiscal indicators: rising revenue, stabilizing foreign reserves, and a firming naira. According to him, these are signs that the administration is “getting the fundamentals right.”

“These indicators show a healthy economy,” Keyamo said. “Eventually, they’ll create jobs and put money into people’s pockets.”

He dismissed criticisms over rising food prices and inflation as “emotional and superficial,” accusing the opposition of cherry-picking data to score points.

Atiku-Obi bloc seen as structurally weak

Keyamo said the combined support base of Obi and Atiku cannot deliver enough votes to topple Tinubu’s APC, referencing the 8.4 million votes the president secured in 2023.

He further argued that if Obi runs as Atiku’s vice president, his support from Christians and the South-East could weaken.

“If Obi becomes deputy, the Christian bloc may pull back,” he said. “Don’t forget, the First Lady is a pastor—that could draw religious voters toward Tinubu.”

As for youth support, he claimed the “Obidient” movement would falter under the prospect of backing an “80-year-old Muslim president.”

“These parties cannot energize the youth again with that ticket,” Keyamo said flatly.