Demola Olarewaju, the Senior Political Assistant to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has warned that opposition momentum would collapse entirely if the former vice president withdraws from the 2027 presidential race. In a series of posts on X, Olarewaju argued that an election featuring an incumbent president presents fundamentally different dynamics compared to a transition election, making Atiku’s presence essential for any viable challenge.
Olaerewaju insisted that Abubakar remains the only opposition figure demonstrating the capacity to match President Bola Tinubu both locally and on the international stage. He described the former vice president as a necessary bridge to build and sustain a cohesive opposition core beyond the 2027 election cycle. According to Olarewaju, every electoral contest is unique and requires distinct preparation, urging stakeholders to recognize the specific demands of the upcoming race.
Reflecting on the 2023 general election, Olarewaju claimed that former President Muhammadu Buhari was not heavily invested in Tinubu’s victory. He attributed the All Progressives Congress, APC, loss in Lagos State and the occurrence of what he termed “communal rigging” in several states to that lack of presidential commitment. The remarks frame the 2023 outcome as an anomaly driven by specific circumstances rather than a structural shift, suggesting the ruling party will operate with far greater cohesion when defending an incumbent in 2027.
The intervention underscores growing strategic calculations within opposition circles as political alignments begin to harden ahead of the next electoral cycle. With the incumbent advantage historically shaping Nigerian presidential contests, Olarewaju’s argument centers on the perceived necessity of a candidate with established national recognition, institutional experience, and international credibility to level the playing field. His comments also signal an effort to consolidate the opposition narrative around a single figure, potentially discouraging fragmentation that could dilute voter support.
As the political landscape evolves, the debate over opposition unity and candidate selection is expected to intensify. Olarewaju’s remarks highlight the tension between building a long-term opposition structure and the immediate imperative of mounting a competitive challenge in 2027. The extent to which other opposition leaders and parties align with this assessment will likely shape the configuration of alliances in the coming months.
