Atiku-Obi Merger Can’t Defeat Tinubu in 2027 – Ex-Aide to Damagum

*Says opposition politicians
prioritising personal ambition over building political platforms

By; BASHIR BELLO DOLLARS, Abuja

Former aide (Media and Publicity) to the acting Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Iliya Damagum, Abubakar Yusuf Dingyadi, has declared that neither Labour Party’s Peter Obi nor PDP’s Atiku Abubakar stands a chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen on Sunday, Dingyadi said some politicians have sacrificed their lives for Tinubu and would continue to do so, noting that the President remains the strongest contender for a second term.

“If you are talking about Jonathan Obi or anyone else, nobody will come to the North and tell us they will defeat Tinubu just to bring security.

“Where were they in 2023? They were not united, and they are still divided today,” Dingyadi stated.

He accused some opposition politicians of prioritising personal ambition over building political platforms, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

To him, many ADC members have already resolved to defect if they fail to secure the party’s endorsement or ticket.

“These politicians are touring the country, holding press conferences and media chats, often without being invited, just to criticise Tinubu.

Yet, when they had opportunities to lead, they did nothing tangible for the people,” he said.

He also argued that those claiming to be speaking for the North are doing so for self interest, not for the region

“No Northerner will come and tell us they love the North more than we do.

“This is not about ethnicity Nigeria of that time is past. If you want to rule Nigeria, tell us what you have done for the North and what you will do to ensure its survival,” he said.

He dismissed the idea that PDP, ADC, or any coalition involving defectors from other parties could successfully challenge Tinubu in 2027.

“Those running to other parties now are the same people who never stood to fight for or build their former parties.

“So if they think they can unite against Tinubu, are are joking,” Abubakar said.