As politicians and political parties gears up for the 2027 general elections, Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, has declared that despite former Vice President Atiku Abubakar still being “a force to be reckoned with,” the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, still has a better chance to defeat the incumbent President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

El-Rufai, who made his opinion known on Thursday in a post on X on Thursday, insisted that Obi will stand a better chance against Tinubu if he picks a formidable Northern vice-presidential candidate.

He also noted that Obi presents a greater obstacle for Atiku, particularly due to his significant youth following and broad-based grassroots popularity.

“Atiku is a force to be reckoned with. He also feels the stars have finally aligned in his favour. And although 2019 is thought to have been his best shot, this may be one of those ‘moment meets the man’.

“However, the sheer force of Obi’s numbers and cult-like follower-ship brings a challenge. His appeal across the youth & this younger generation is one profound aspect of his leverage. Obi, as a flag bearer with a strong Northern candidate, would defeat Pablo on election day before our dear mother of the nation — Aunty Remi finishes his breakfast around noon,” he wrote.

Bashir’s father was among opposition leaders who formed an alliance which was unveiled in Abuja on March 20 on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The coalition aims to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Other top politicians who joined in unveiling the coalition were Atiku, Obi, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, El-Rufai, former Senate President David Mark and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola among others.