Oshiomhole dismisses Atiku-Obi alliance, says Tinubu unbeatable in 2027

Former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has dismissed speculations that a joint presidential ticket between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 flag bearer, Peter Obi, could pose a threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) insisted that the ruling party remains Nigeria’s dominant political force and would defeat any opposition coalition.

Oshiomhole argued that both Atiku and Obi have a history of electoral failure, noting that their previous alliance in 2019 and separate runs in 2023 ended in defeat.

He said, “Did Atiku not run with Obi before and contested against APC? Were they not defeated? Anybody can throw up numbers or statistics as they want. But the point is that when these two ran together, they were roundly defeated by the APC. When they did before, what happened? They have a history of being defeated together and apart. If they come back together, very good — they will still be defeated.”

When reminded that the 2027 political landscape could differ from 2019 or 2023, Oshiomhole disagreed, insisting that both opposition figures had lost public appeal.

Taking a swipe at Atiku, the senator described the former vice president as “a serial political contestant and loser,” saying his repeated bids for power have weakened his credibility.

He said, “Atiku is now more battle-weary. Don’t forget my background is textile and garment. When a fabric is weak and you keep sewing it, at a point, it makes sense to throw it away.”

Oshiomhole also mocked Atiku’s frequent travels abroad, suggesting that he lacks the grassroots connection required to win a presidential election.

“This man Nigerians are worrying about and wasting precious time on is not electable. People with two addresses? After the election, you will go to Dubai. At the eve of the election, you come to find out who is paying visit to a bereaved family,” he said.

His comments come amid renewed speculation about a possible Atiku-Obi reunion following hints from both camps about forming a broad opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 polls.

However, political observers say the alliance could face major hurdles, including personality clashes, trust deficits, and ideological differences that led to their split after the 2019 general election.