Former All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje says opposition presidential candidates Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar cannot defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election because they lack sufficient grassroots support in Northern Nigeria. Speaking at public events in Kano, Ganduje argues that the North is strategically decisive in Nigeria’s presidential contests and that neither Obi—described as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) standard bearer in the reports—nor Atiku—described as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) standard bearer—can mobilise the level of backing needed to challenge Tinubu in the region.
Across the coverage, the common theme is Ganduje’s claim that the opposition cannot “penetrate the North” with political machinery or regional appeal strong enough to unseat the incumbent. One outlet also reports that Ganduje calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to tighten party registration, warning about the proliferation of political parties and arguing that only parties with strong structures, clear ideologies and nationwide reach should be recognized. The remarks are framed as part of early consultations and opposition realignments ahead of 2027.
