Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has argued that any potential Atiku Abubakar–Peter Obi presidential ticket in the 2027 elections would backfire, especially among Christian voters and the South-East electorate.
Keyamo made the claim during an appearance on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, where he hinted at insider knowledge of political manoeuvrings aimed at forming a joint ticket between the former Vice President and the 2023 Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi.
“I want to do small expo… Do you know what they are working on? They want to bring Peter Obi and Atiku together,” he revealed.
Why the Alliance May Fail – Keyamo’s Breakdown
Christian Vote Fallout:
Keyamo stated that Obi’s strong showing in 2023—where he secured over 6 million votes—was largely driven by Christian voters. Making Obi a running mate to Atiku, he argued, would alienate that demographic.
“Once you make Obi the deputy to Atiku, the Christian demography will pull out,” he said, suggesting many would shift support to President Tinubu, who “also has a pastor as a wife.”
South-East Resistance:
According to Keyamo, the South-East, which overwhelmingly backed Obi, would not throw their weight behind a Northern-led ticket.
“That South-East demography that supported him—once it’s Atiku—they will pull out,” he insisted.
Age and Religion Factor:
Keyamo also predicted that pastors and Christian leaders would not support another “80-year-old Muslim president” in 2027.
“They will not come out campaigning for an 80-year-old Muslim president,” he declared, implying that Atiku, if chosen, would lose clerical backing.
Speculation around a possible Atiku-Obi alliance has intensified since both men were seen participating in the formation of the ADC coalition, a third-force effort to challenge the ruling APC in 2027. However, Obi has yet to officially join any coalition party, even though key meetings have included him and other political heavyweights.
Keyamo’s comments appear to be a strategic attempt to downplay the potential threat of such a coalition by sowing doubts about its electoral viability.
