Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has predicted that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would have a better chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections than former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, El-Rufai argued that if Obi selects a strong Northern running mate, he could outperform both Tinubu and Atiku, especially given his massive youth following and grassroots support.
“Atiku is a force to be reckoned with. He also feels the stars have finally aligned in his favour,” he wrote. “And although 2019 is thought to have been his best shot, this may be one of those ‘moment meets the man’.”
He continued, “However, the sheer force of Obi’s numbers and cult-like followership brings a challenge. His appeal across the youth & this younger generation is one profound aspect of his leverage. Obi, as a flag bearer with a strong Northern candidate, would defeat Pablo on election day before our dear mother of the nation — Aunty Remi finishes his breakfast around noon.”
Bashir El-Rufai’s comments come amid growing political realignments ahead of 2027. His father, Nasir El-Rufai, was among opposition leaders who unveiled a new political coalition on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on March 20 in Abuja, with the aim of unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Other prominent figures who joined the ADC-led coalition include Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President David Mark, and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola.
