Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has predicted that millions of Nigerians will vote against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, despite the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) expanding its presidential campaign council.
Atiku described the revised campaign structure as evidence of Tinubu’s fear of public judgment, arguing that the number of politicians enlisted would not shield the President from criticism over his administration’s performance.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku accused Tinubu of prioritising political alliances over the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.
He argued that the growing campaign list would not erase concerns about hunger, insecurity and the rising cost of living, insisting that Nigerians would ultimately judge the President based on their experiences under his administration.
“Only a man afraid of his record would think he could bury it under hundreds of names,” Atiku said, adding that political endorsements could not address the hardship faced by struggling families.
The former vice president also criticised the decision to inaugurate the APC Presidential Campaign Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, describing the venue as inappropriate for a partisan political event. He argued that the seat of government should not be used as the private venue of a political party.
Atiku further alleged that the administration had failed to ease the economic burden on citizens, citing difficulties with food affordability, transportation costs, school fees and insecurity. He maintained that the electorate would consider these issues when deciding whether Tinubu deserves another term.
He urged Nigerians to focus on the records of the candidates rather than the size of their campaign organisations, expressing confidence that voters dissatisfied with the administration would reject Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The statement comes amid intensifying political activities ahead of the next presidential election, with the APC strengthening its campaign structure while opposition figures mobilise support for the ADC. However, Atiku’s prediction remains a political claim, and the eventual outcome will be determined by voters at the polls.
