I believe it may never have been destined by God for Atiku Abubakar to become president of Nigeria
Daniel Bwala, a former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential election, has expressed strong doubts about the former vice president’s chances of ever becoming Nigeria’s president.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Bwala stated that Atiku has likely exhausted all realistic opportunities to realise his long-standing presidential ambition.
“In all honesty, I believe it may never have been destined by God for Atiku Abubakar to become president of Nigeria,” Bwala remarked.
“He has done everything possible within his reach to secure the presidency, yet he has not succeeded. The 2023 election was his best shot—his most promising opportunity—and he will never have such a chance again.”
Turning his attention to recent political developments, Bwala also dismissed the viability of the emerging opposition coalition, which includes notable figures such as Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former APC chieftain Rotimi Amaechi.
He expressed skepticism about their capacity to pose any serious threat to the administration of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He criticised the group’s decision to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform, arguing that the alliance lacks ideological depth and coherent alternative policy proposals.
“What I find intriguing is that this coalition of what I call ‘internally displaced politicians’ has not yet shown the courage or competence to present alternative facts, policies, or programmes,” Bwala said.
Referring specifically to Peter Obi, he added: “Throughout your interview with Peter Obi, what stood out to me was his inability to present concrete disagreements or counterarguments against the policies currently being implemented by the Tinubu administration.”
Bwala further predicted that the opposition coalition would not survive beyond the next six months, citing anticipated internal wrangling over who will emerge as the coalition’s presidential candidate.
He referenced a statement reportedly made by Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, who warned that the greatest challenge facing the coalition is the overbearing ambition of its members.
“Datti already sensed the impending danger. According to him, the major issue with the coalition is that everyone wants to be president,” Bwala quoted.
“In my honest opinion, and I say this with all sincerity, once they begin to deliberate seriously, within the next six months, that so-called coalition will implode. It won’t even be a topic of conversation anymore,” he concluded.