The spokesman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, has downplayed the chances of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He stated that the trio currently lack the nationwide political structure and broad-based support required to successfully challenge an incumbent president in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Muhammad-Baba’s comments come amid renewed political discussions and emerging coalition talks among opposition figures seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

According to him, presidential elections in Nigeria are determined by cross-country alliances rather than regional influence or individual popularity.

He noted that while Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso remain major political actors with strong regional followings, none has demonstrated the level of national consensus needed to secure victory.

He also pointed to internal divisions within the opposition camp as a major setback, warning that unresolved disagreements over leadership and coalition structures could weaken efforts to mount a strong challenge against the ruling party.

Political observers say opposition realignment efforts have continued to face difficulties, with competing ambitions and lack of consensus threatening the formation of a united front ahead of the next general election.

Analysts further argue that the outcome of 2027 may depend largely on whether opposition parties can consolidate into a single platform or risk another fragmented contest that could favour the incumbent government.

As political activities intensify ahead of the election cycle, attention is expected to remain on negotiations, defections, and alliance-building among Nigeria’s major political stakeholders.