Ganduje Northern Support Claim says Atiku and Obi lack the northern backing needed to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election
Former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has claimed that opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi lack the political structure and grassroots support in Northern Nigeria required to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
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Speaking at a public event in Kano over the weekend, Ganduje described the North as a decisive region in Nigeria’s presidential contests and argued that electoral success depends heavily on building strong support networks across the area.
The Claim came as political parties and potential presidential contenders continue preparations ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
“The North is strategic in every presidential election in Nigeria. With due respect to our friends in the opposition, neither Peter Obi nor Atiku Abubakar can mobilise sufficient support in this region to defeat President Tinubu in 2027,” Ganduje said.
Ganduje, who previously served as governor of Kano State, said ongoing discussions among opposition groups would not automatically translate into electoral strength without established political structures across the country.
He argued that both Atiku, a former vice president and long-time presidential contender, and Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, would face challenges in building the level of northern mobilisation needed to compete effectively against Tinubu.
The former APC chairman also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adopt stricter requirements for the registration of political parties.
According to Ganduje, stronger standards would ensure that only parties with nationwide structures, clear ideologies and functional organisation participate in elections.
“Stricter registration standards will strengthen our democracy by ensuring that only viable political parties participate in elections,” he said.
The comments come as Nigeria’s political landscape begins to take shape ahead of the 2027 presidential contest, with the ruling APC expected to defend its position while opposition parties explore possible alliances and strategies.
Atiku and Obi have both remained prominent figures in national politics following the 2023 election, where Tinubu emerged victorious in a closely contested race.
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The 2027 election is expected to be shaped by regional voting patterns, economic concerns, party organisation and the ability of candidates to build broad national coalitions.
