Rufai Oseni, an anchor of The Morning Show on Arise Television, says Peter Obi is the only opposition figure capable of mounting a serious challenge against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
Speaking on Monday during the programme, the broadcast journalist said efforts within the political space appear targeted at keeping Obi off the ballot.
“The only person who can give President Tinubu some push in this election is Obi. The first strategy is to ensure Obi doesn’t get on the ballot,” he said.
Oseni linked the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to broader political manoeuvres, alleging that party structures had been taken over in a way that made it difficult for Obi to operate.
“In the case of the ADC, the Atiku camp had already hijacked most of the structure,” he alleged.
“There was no way Obi was going to be able to thrive or get a fair situation in this election process. That’s why he left,” he said.
LIKE PDP, LIKE ADC
Furthermore, the journalist added that Obi’s pattern of moving between parties should be understood within the context of internal party disputes, referencing his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2023 election.
In addition, Oseni said Atiku Abubakar’s decision to contest the 2023 election contributed to the crisis within the PDP at the time.
“Atiku was not supposed to run in the 2023 election after the northern turn in 2019. That was why the likes of Wike went up in arms. And that was why Obi left,” he said.
He argued that Obi’s political decisions are driven by his ambition to remain electorally viable.
“Obi wanted to be on the ballot. He has an ambition,” he said.
A DIVIDED OPPOSITION
Consequently, Oseni added that the opposition’s inability to unite could benefit Tinubu, citing the advantage of incumbency and control of political structures.
“With what they’ve been able to do, they just opened the door for a Tinubu second term — easier than ever,” he said.
He said regional dynamics would also play a role in the election, particularly in the south-east where Obi commands strong support.
“I’m not sure Nigeria’s politics is so mature to the level that people in the south-east will see Obi on the ticket and decide to vote another candidate over him,” he said.
Oseni warned that divisions within the opposition and structural factors within the electoral system could shape the outcome of the 2027 election.
