Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed his support for Peter Obi's potential presidential bid in 2027. According to Bashir, he believes Obi has a stronger chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu than former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ¹.
Reasons Behind Bashir's Support
Bashir attributes Obi's potential success to his massive grassroots appeal and cult-like following among Nigerian youths. He thinks that with a strong Northern running mate, Obi could pose a significant challenge to Tinubu in the 2027 elections ¹.
Coalition Talks and Party Dynamics
There are ongoing talks about a possible coalition between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition parties. Some key figures, including Nasir El-Rufai, have defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), sparking discussions about potential alliances and candidacies ².
Implications for the 2027 Elections
Bashir's support for Obi's potential candidacy highlights the complexities of Nigeria's political landscape. As the 2027 elections approach, the dynamics between parties and key players will likely continue to evolve, influencing the outcome of the polls ³.
Key Players and Their Roles
- *Peter Obi*: Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, considered a strong contender for the 2027 presidency.
- *Nasir El-Rufai*: Former Kaduna State Governor, has defected to the SDP and is reportedly backing a Southern candidate for the 2027 presidency.
- *Bashir El-Rufai*: Son of Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed support for Peter Obi's potential presidential bid.
- *Atiku Abubakar*: Former Vice President, seeking the ADC's presidential nomination for the 2027 elections ³ ¹.
