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Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has characterized Atiku Abubakar as a habitual electoral failure, asserting that the ruling party holds no apprehension regarding his political ambitions for the 2027 general elections. Making his remarks during an appearance on a current affairs program on Thursday, the former Edo State governor argued that Atiku's history of repeated presidential defeats indicates the upcoming electoral cycle will yield a similar outcome.
Key details from the interview include Oshiomhole pointing out Atiku's previous electoral setbacks in 2007, 2011, 2019, and 2023. He also criticized Atiku's recent political realignment and dismissed potential coalition talks involving Peter Obi. Furthermore, Oshiomhole questioned the viability of Atiku's policy proposals, specifically regarding the reversal of the petrol subsidy removal, contrasting them with the current administration's long-term developmental outlook.
Why does Oshiomhole view Atiku as a weak contender?
According to the federal lawmaker, Atiku lacks a competitive winning streak that could unsettle President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Oshiomhole emphasized that previous electoral challenges mounted by opposition figures against the incumbent party have consistently failed to alter the balance of power.
"Atiku is a serial loser. I am not afraid of him," Oshiomhole stated during the broadcast.
What are the implications of recent court rulings and potential coalitions?
Addressing recent legal developments, Oshiomhole remarked that judicial pronouncements affecting opposition structures demonstrate that Atiku's political strategies rest on unstable ground. He further maintained that even if opposition heavyweights decide to pool their political weight ahead of 2027, their combined forces would mirror the outcome of the 2023 ballot, where the ruling party emerged victorious.
On the issue of economic policy, Oshiomhole ridiculed Atiku's pledge to reinstate the fuel subsidy, accusing the former vice president of engaging in populist rhetoric. He challenged the opposition figure to clarify whether his administration would dismantle ongoing initiatives such as the student loan scheme or reintroduce foreign exchange distortions, positioning Tinubu as a leader focused on generational development rather than immediate electoral gains.