Fayose: Tinubu Will Defeat Atiku, Obi Even If They Unite in 2027

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has said President Bola Tinubu would defeat former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election, even if the two opposition figures unite.

Fayose made the statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today aired on Tuesday.

The former governor said he expected Tinubu to retain the presidency regardless of whether Atiku and Obi contest separately or form a joint opposition platform.

“It’s a three-way horse; maybe I am not putting it right. Atiku is there, and Obi is there. Even if they come together, this man (Tinubu) will still defeat them,” Fayose said.

Fayose argued that an opposition contest involving multiple presidential candidates could divide votes, while claiming that Tinubu would benefit from strong support in the South-West.

He also predicted that Tinubu would secure more than 12 million votes in the 2027 election.

“I’m analysing based on my experience,” Fayose said, adding that he expected the President to record a significant vote margin in the South-West.

Fayose attributed his prediction partly to what he described as improvements in the Nigerian economy under the Tinubu administration.

His comments come amid continuing efforts by opposition politicians to build a coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Atiku and Obi are among prominent figures involved in the emerging opposition discussions, although questions remain over the leadership and structure of any possible alliance.

Meanwhile, Atiku has continued to criticise the Tinubu administration’s economic policies. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the former vice-president argued that government policies had made Nigeria more expensive for households and businesses and said he would pursue measures to make the country more affordable if elected.

Obi, meanwhile, has recently said he welcomes public scrutiny of his background and academic records, following renewed attention to his educational credentials.

With the 2027 election still ahead, political parties and emerging alliances continue to position themselves, while the eventual presidential field and electoral dynamics remain subject to further political developments.