Peter Obi,the former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections is a household name on every man’s lips in Nigeria. In a bold political commentary that has generated reactions on X, Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, opined that Peter Obi stands a better chance of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 forthcoming general elections than Atiku Abubakar.
Quoting a Twitter post he made on July 31, 2025, Bashir wrote:
“Atiku is a force to be reckoned with. He also feels the stars have finally aligned in his favor… However, the sheer force of Obi’s numbers and cult-like followership brings a challenge… Obi as a flag bearer with a strong Northern candidate would defeat Pablo [Tinubu] on Election Day before our dear mother of the Nation — Aunty Remi finishes his breakfast around 12 noon.”
Peter Obi’s Youthful Leverage and National Appeal
Bashir’s tweet and personal opinion showcases Obi’s growing influence, especially among Nigeria’s youth and digitally active larger population. His reference to Obi’s “cult-like followership” reflects what many political analysts have pointed out post 2023 elections. Peter Obi’s political movement, known as the “Obidient” movement, continues to grow stronger , cutting across ethnic and religious lines both within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
Peter Obi is arguably the biggest political name and brand in Nigeria. That’s a fact.
According to Bashir, Peter Obi’s appeal to young voters and his ability to inspire the electorate is a “profound aspect of his leverage.” He opined that if Obi partners with any strong known Northern political figure, the combination could prove Formidable at the polls, strong enough to defeat the incumbent Tinubu in record time.
The Atiku Factor: what are his chances
Bashir didn’t dismiss or disregard Atiku Abubakar’s relevance. In fact, he acknowledges that the former Vice President remains “a force to be reckoned with,” hinting that 2027 might be Atiku’s last realistic shot at the presidency.
You’d recall that Atiku Abubakar has been a serial contester of since 1991, actively contesting in all. However, Bashir’s tweet suggests that Atiku’s best opportunity may have already passed with the 2019 elections, and that Peter Obi now better represents the moment which stands a better chance of defeating Bola Tinubu and APC.
Bola Tinubu’s ‘Pablo’ Persona and the 2027 elections
Addressing him with the moniker “Pablo” to refer to President Tinubu, Bashir Satirically suggests that Obi would make swift work of defeating him in 2027 elections “before Aunty Remi finishes her breakfast.”
READ ALSO : Peter Obi has Sparked fire in the heart of the Nigerian Youths
This jab at the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, showcases confidence in the opposition’s potential strength if well harnessed and coordinated. It also shows that Bashir, an APC insider, may not be entirely confident in Tinubu’s chances against a united and formidable strategic opposition.
The Call for Strategic and strong Coalition
Bashir El-Rufai’s Twitter comments have generated “new debates about 2027. It further echoes what majority of Nigerian Youths and top politicians are saying about choosing Peter Obi as the consensus candidate of the coalition. However, While it’s still two years away, the political groundwork is already being laid. Whether Peter Obi will run again, and whether he will form new alliances to strengthen his chances, remains to be seen, meanwhile, what’s clear is that voices within even the ruling party are acknowledging the weight he carries and the challenge he could pose to the establishment.
We shall keep writing on such issues of national political discourse…..
My name is Echezonam Ibezim jk, writing from my village hut.
