A fresh political war of words has erupted ahead of the 2027 general elections, as presidential aide Daniel Bwala has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stands no chance of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Bwala, who serves as Special Adviser to the President on Communications, dismissed Atiku’s renewed presidential ambition, insisting that the outcome of the next election would mirror that of 2023.
His reaction follows Atiku’s recent interview in which the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer announced that the 2027 race would be his final shot at the presidency. Atiku also expressed confidence that a proposed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would unseat Tinubu.
But Bwala was quick to pour cold water on the claim, branding the coalition as a congregation of “disgruntled and weak” political actors lacking the cohesion and structure to mount a serious challenge.
He maintained that even if Atiku emerges as the coalition’s consensus candidate, President Tinubu would still defeat him decisively—just as he did in the fiercely contested 2023 election, despite Atiku’s widespread backing at the time.
Bwala further argued that the ruling camp retains a firm grip on Nigeria’s political machinery, stressing that Tinubu’s entrenched structure and influence across the country place him in a commanding position heading into 2027.
The exchange signals an early intensification of political alignments and rhetoric, as gladiators begin to test their strength ahead of what promises to be another high-stakes presidential contest.
