Atiku, Obi cannot defeat Tinubu even if they unite — Ondo APC elders

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Chairman of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum in Ondo State, Elder Demola Ijabiyi, has dismissed the possibility of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, even if they form an alliance.

Ijabiyi spoke on Wednesday in Akure during the September meeting of the forum, days after Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, urged Nigerians to vote out the Tinubu administration in 2027 over economic hardship and insecurity.

The APC elder said Tinubu remained well positioned to seek another term, noting that the president would enter the election as an incumbent, unlike in 2023 when he contested against the then-ruling party.

Ijabiyi said the proposed alliance between Atiku and Obi would not be strong enough to defeat Tinubu, even if the opposition figures eventually agreed to field a single candidate.

He also questioned the opposition’s ability to mobilise substantial support in Ondo State and other parts of the country, arguing that the APC had maintained a strong membership base.

Ijabiyi said claims that Nigerians had rejected the APC should be assessed against election results, noting that the party had continued to receive votes despite criticisms of the administration.

The forum chairman also urged APC members in Ondo State to avoid divisions between the political structures of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, saying both should work together to strengthen the party.

He urged members to remain focused on grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, while reaffirming the forum’s support for Tinubu and calling for greater unity within the Ondo APC.