The Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has dismissed suggestions that a possible joint presidential ticket involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra State governor Peter Obi could unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Musawa made the remarks during an interview on The Mic On Podcast, which was shared on Instagram on Saturday, as she assessed the prospects of leading opposition figures ahead of the next electoral cycle.
While acknowledging Atiku Abubakar’s political experience and influence, the minister described him as a formidable opponent but insisted that he would still be unable to match the strength of the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
“I see him as a formidable opponent. But as much as I respect and admire him, I do not believe that Vice President Atiku Abubakar would be able to match the ruling party in 2027,” Musawa said.
She further argued that even a coalition arrangement pairing Atiku with Peter Obi would not significantly improve the opposition’s chances of victory.
“I don’t think he’s a match even if Atiku and Peter come together,” she stated.
According to Musawa, such a ticket could worsen internal divisions within the opposition, particularly among Obi’s supporters, many of whom have consistently opposed the idea of their candidate running as a vice-presidential nominee.
“That kind of ticket is likely to upset a lot of Obidients. Some people will have to reconsider positions they once held,” she said.
Musawa also warned that presenting Peter Obi as the presidential candidate could be even more damaging for the opposition.
“If Peter Obi is presented as the presidential candidate instead, that would be the quickest way for the opposition to lose the election. I say that very honestly,” she added.
Her comments come amid ongoing debates within opposition circles, as Obi’s supporters continue to insist that the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress should field him as its presidential candidate in 2027.
Meanwhile, the ADC has cautioned Obi’s supporters against divisive rhetoric, warning that internal disagreements over candidacy could ultimately work in favour of the ruling APC.
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