2027: Nobody is contesting against Tinubu, says Fayose

A former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has said President Bola Tinubu remains the clear favourite for the 2027 presidential election, insisting that a divided opposition lacks the strength to mount a serious challenge.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Fayose argued that opposition parties have weakened their chances by failing to unite behind a common platform ahead of the election.

He also dismissed suggestions that Tinubu faces significant electoral threats despite widespread concerns over insecurity, economic hardship and the rising cost of living across the country.

“Nobody is contesting against Tinubu. You may not like to hear this. There is a difference between reality and noise on social media,” Fayose said.

According to him, the President would have faced a tougher battle if opposition leaders had succeeded in building a united coalition.

“If the opposition coalition had remained together and were to be in one party against Tinubu, I would say Tinubu would get a run for his money,” he stated.

Fayose maintained that the proliferation of political parties and presidential hopefuls has further diminished the opposition’s prospects.

“Tinubu is like every Nigerian leader that I believe in, but let me tell you, the moment that they have NDC, and they have ADC, initially they were saying Tinubu was pushing for a one-party state, now there are so many parties, they have destroyed their journey by themselves,” he said.

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Drawing a parallel with the 2023 presidential election, Fayose said the opposition’s division could once again work in Tinubu’s favour.

“You remember that when Atiku and Obi contested, it was a major three-horse race and Tinubu had his way, and I’m telling you again, Tinubu will have his way with ease,” he added.

He also claimed that Tinubu has done his best to address the country’s deteriorating security crisis, saying the president is being blackmailed by the crisis ahead of the 2027 election.

He said, “President Tinubu may not be a perfect person, but he has given his best. Things were worse at the end of Buhari’s administration. President Tinubu literally handed the government to himself by taking over from Buhari.

“As a decent man, a man who would not want to say he has abandoned the northerners, he took everything to heart and managed the damage done by the last administration.

“When Jonathan was about to leave office, he was blackmailed in the same way through insecurity.”