The Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Demola Olarewaju has said that a possible alliance between his former boss and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, could form the most formidable opposition ticket against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
In the 2023 election, Atiku, under the Peoples Democratic Party, and Obi contested and lost the presidential election to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu/
Olarewaju also called for a political party that prioritises the vibrant energy and creativity of the country’s youth.
Speaking on the Mic On podcast on Sunday, Olarewaju emphasised the need for a platform that empowers young people, including Gen Z and Gen Alpha, by allocating 35 to 50% of leadership roles to youth and women.
His remarks highlight a growing demand for inclusive politics that harnesses the potential of younger generations to drive Nigeria’s future.
He described such a partnership as a kind of “co-presidency” that would combine the strengths and ideas of both leaders for the benefit of Nigerians.
‘I think the best option is to have both of them on one ticket, so Nigerians can enjoy their combined leadership’, he said.
Olarewaju praised Atiku as a loyal and consistent politician who always supports others even after losing elections.
‘He lost the 2011 primary to Goodluck Jonathan, but still worked for him and helped deliver Adamawa State.
‘That’s who Atiku is’, he said.
He also stressed the need for more youth involvement in politics, noting that the African Democratic Congress plans to give 35 to 50% of its leadership positions to young people and women.
‘Nigerians need a party that values the energy and creativity of young people — including Gen Z and even Gen Alpha’, he added.
Olarewaju further said that Atiku is open to stepping down for a younger candidate, if he loses in the primaries, but remains the strongest opposition contender for now.
‘The best and strongest opposition ticket for 2027 would be a partnership between Atiku and Obi, adding that their shared political views make such a team both possible and powerful’, he said.
Since the 2023 presidential election, where Atiku and Obi contested separately as presidential candidates, there has been growing public discourse around the need for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi was Atiku running mate in the 2019 presidential election but their joint ticket lost to the the President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was seeking a second term in office.
Both men were seen as major challengers to President Bola Tinubu, who won the election using the APC platform.
