Tinubu Unbeatable by Goodluck Jonathan and Peter Obi in the North, According to Former Aide of Damagum
Abubakar Yusuf Dingyadi, a former media aide to the Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has thrown his support behind President Bola Tinubu as the strongest contender for the 2027 presidential election. In a press conference, Dingyadi criticised some opposition politicians, accusing them of prioritising personal ambition over building political platforms, particularly within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Dingyadi's statements suggest that the 2027 election will involve numerous politicians, including Goodluck Jonathan and Peter Obi. Goodluck Jonathan, a former president, is considered by some within the PDP as a strong candidate for 2027. His potential candidacy is seen as a way for the PDP to regain power, leveraging his political experience and influence within the party. However, there is no confirmation that he has formally emerged as the PDP candidate yet, and broader party support and ground organization will be crucial.
Peter Obi, who mounted a significant challenge in the 2023 election and gained a substantial following, is viewed by coalition supporters as having proven public appeal and momentum. For the coalition to have a strong chance against President Tinubu, it would need a candidate like Obi who can galvanize voters organically. Obi’s chances depend on coalition unity and whether other contenders like Atiku Abubakar also vie for the same ticket.
President Tinubu, the incumbent president as of 2025, reportedly enjoys strong support in key states like Edo, where recent by-election victories have been interpreted as signals of a "walkover" for his re-election bid in 2027. The ruling APC’s local victories and organisational advantage suggest Tinubu remains a formidable candidate.
Dingyadi's statements also questioned the sincerity of opposition politicians who claim they can bring security but were not united in the 2023 election. He argued that those claiming to speak for the North are doing so for self-interest, not for the region. Dingyadi emphasised that this is not about ethnicity, but about the qualifications of the candidates to rule Nigeria.
In a surprising turn, Dingyadi stated that some politicians have sacrificed their lives for President Tinubu and will continue to do so. However, he also asserted that the focus should be on what candidates have done for the North and what they will do to ensure its survival. Many ADC members may defect if they do not secure the party's endorsement or ticket, according to Dingyadi. He also stated that no Northerner will claim to love the North more than the current inhabitants.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is mentioned as a party that some opposition politicians are prioritising. However, Dingyadi accused some opposition politicians of not having substantial achievements to their credit while criticising Tinubu. Some politicians are touring the country, holding press conferences and media chats, often without being invited, to criticise Tinubu.
In summary, while Goodluck Jonathan might bring experience and party loyalty to the PDP, Peter Obi has strong grassroots support and popularity. Tinubu’s incumbency and APC’s recent electoral successes give him a significant edge. The ultimate chances will depend on party nominations, coalition arrangements, and political dynamics closer to 2027, but Tinubu currently appears favoured in the race.
- Abubakar Yusuf Dingyadi, a former media aide to the Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has endorsed President Bola Tinubu as the strongest contender for the 2027 presidential election, criticizing some opposition politicians for prioritizing personal ambition over building political platforms within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
- Peter Obi, a prominent figure in the 2023 election, is viewed by coalition supporters as having proven public appeal and momentum, potentially serving as a strong candidate against President Tinubu in the 2027 election.
- Goodluck Jonathan, a former president, is considered by some within the PDP as a strong candidate for 2027, offering a way for the PDP to regain power through his political experience and influence within the party, yet his formal candidacy has not been confirmed.
- President Tinubu, the incumbent president as of 2025, reportedly enjoys strong support in key states like Edo and maintains an organizational advantage that suggests he remains a formidable candidate for the 2027 election.
- Dingyadi questioned the sincerity of opposition politicians who claim they can bring security, arguing that those claiming to speak for the North are driven by self-interest, not the region's well-being. He emphasized that the qualifications of candidates to rule Nigeria are crucial, not ethnicity.
- Many ADC members may defect if they do not secure the party's endorsement or ticket, according to Dingyadi, who also stated that no Northerner will claim to love the North more than the current inhabitants.
- Some politicians are touring the country, holding press conferences and media chats, often without being invited, to criticize Tinubu, yet Dingyadi accused them of not having substantial achievements to their credit while criticizing the President.
