A former House of Representatives member, Austin Okai, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) considers Peter Obi as President Bola Tinubu’s greatest threat to returning to Aso Rock in 2027.
Okay, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said Obi’s consistent political activity and growing popularity, especially in Northern Nigeria, posed a challenge to Tinubu.
“The primary threat to the APC right now is Obi, as they recognise that Jonathan may not run because some perceive him as weak and not particularly ambitious,” he said.
Obi was candidate of Labour Party in 2023. Though he is linked to the coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), he is still in the Labour Party.
Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is also believed to be interested in the 2023 presidency, but Okai said APC did not consider him a threat.
He acknowledged that other prominent politicians like Rotimi Amaechi and Seyi Makinde are significant figures, but he believes Obi’s momentum puts him ahead of the rest.
“Obi is ahead, every week he is in one activity or the other and the rate of acceptability he is getting in the North is increasing,” he stressed.
He however said Tinubu is making it hard for the opposition to gain ground in certain states, stating that the president has made some strategic moves that might enable him win Plateau, Southern Kaduna, and some swing states.
According to him, Tinubu has fortified some political strongholds in preparation for the upcoming election.
Okai also noted that internal conflicts within the opposition could greatly benefit the ruling party, especially in Adamawa, Atiku’s home State.
“Governor Fintiri is not supporting Atiku in Adamawa – a sitting governor holds significant power,” he remarked, emphasizing the difficulties arising from divisions within the opposition.
The PDP leader warned that unity among opposition parties is essential for unseating the ruling APC.
“We can’t defeat Tinubu with a divided opposition; mark my words, because incumbency alone accounts for 40 percent of the votes,” Okai cautioned.
He explained that incumbency offers an inherent advantage through access to resources, political networks, and government institutions that ensure a substantial portion of votes even before the campaigning starts.
Okai disclosed that Atiku rejected suggestions for him to step back from future elections, but however said such suggestions merely highlighted Atiku’s significance in the political landscape.
“If they say Atiku shouldn’t contest, that means somebody is afraid of him and that means he is a threat.
“Why will people say he should not contest, are you funding him? The major threat will be Peter Obi if Jonathan is not contesting,” Okai declared.
