2027: Fayose Says Tinubu Can Defeat Atiku, Obi Even in Joint Contest

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has said President Bola Tinubu would defeat opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election, even if they decide to work together.

Fayose made the claim on Channels Television’s Politics Today while discussing the prospects of the major contenders ahead of the election.

According to him, the opposition would face an even greater challenge if Atiku and Obi contested separately because their support would be divided.

“A three-way horse, maybe I am not putting it right. Atiku is there, Obi is there. Even if they come together, this man (Tinubu) will still defeat them. But let us say they don’t come together, too bad for them because this election will be balkanised,” Fayose said.

The former governor also claimed that the South-West would give Tinubu a substantial vote margin, questioning the level of support Atiku and Obi could secure in states including Ekiti, Osun and Ondo.

He argued that the political structure and support base of the opposition candidates would not be sufficient to overcome the incumbent president.

Fayose further described Tinubu as the “shortest point” for power to return to the North after the South completes what he considers an eight-year presidential tenure.

“If Atiku comes in, he will be struggling to do eight years, if Obi comes in, he will want to say I will do eight years. May I say to you respectfully, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the shortest point to power going back to the North,” he said.

Fayose, who was recently appointed Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency board by Tinubu, also projected that the president would secure at least 12 million votes in the 2027 election.

He attributed his position to what he described as improvements in the economy and infrastructure under the Tinubu administration, particularly the stabilisation of the economy and road projects across the country.

However, Fayose’s comments remain his political assessment of the 2027 contest, while the election is still ahead and the eventual outcome will be determined by voters.

The remarks come amid continued efforts by opposition parties and politicians to negotiate alliances and strengthen their structures ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Atiku and Obi currently pursuing separate political platforms.