2027: Why Atiku is best positioned to challenge Tinubu — Austin Okai

Public commentator and activist, Comrade Austin Usman Okai, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains the opposition figure best positioned to mount a formidable challenge against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Okai made the assertion on Thursday while speaking on The Morning Show on TVC Television, where he analysed Nigeria’s political landscape, the state of the economy and the prospects of the opposition ahead of the next general election.

According to him, the Tinubu administration is facing growing public criticism over the rising cost of living, persistent inflation, declining purchasing power, graduate unemployment, insecurity and concerns raised by some observers about the functioning of democratic institutions and the treatment of opposition political actors.

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He argued that the Federal Government’s key economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, have placed significant pressure on households and businesses across the country.

While acknowledging that the administration has defended the reforms as necessary for long-term economic stability and sustainable growth, Okai maintained that many Nigerians are yet to experience the expected benefits and continue to face severe economic hardship.

The activist also expressed concern over what he described as a shrinking political space for opposition parties, alleging intimidation of political opponents and inconsistencies in the administration of justice.

According to him, the combination of economic hardship, unemployment and political dissatisfaction has created an opportunity for the opposition to present a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 polls.

Okai argued that if opposition leaders succeed in building a united coalition around a common vision for national renewal, Atiku would emerge as President Tinubu’s strongest challenger.

Okai further described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an emerging political force capable of reshaping Nigeria’s opposition politics, saying the political contest is increasingly taking shape between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ADC.

In his assessment, other prominent opposition figures, including Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, currently do not enjoy the same political advantage within the existing opposition configuration.

Commenting on recent judicial developments, Okai welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision setting aside the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu on the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties.

He described the appellate court’s verdict as a significant victory for constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

Okai also stressed the need for judicial accountability, urging appropriate sanctions against any judicial officers found guilty of misconduct in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

He concluded by calling on political leaders across party lines to focus on policies that address unemployment, economic recovery, insecurity and good governance.

According to him, as the 2027 elections approach, Nigerians are increasingly demanding practical solutions to their everyday challenges rather than political rhetoric, adding that the quality of governance will ultimately determine voters’ choices at the polls.