Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has poured cold water on recent speculations about a possible alliance between former presidential contenders, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the proposed merger between the two opposition leaders is politically unrealistic and bound to collapse even before it gains traction.
Speaking during an appearance on Sunday Politics, a programme aired on Channels Television, Keyamo described the plan as “dead on arrival,” arguing that the arithmetic behind such a coalition fails to consider deeper ideological and demographic fractures that separate both candidates’ support bases.
“The idea some people are working on is to combine Peter Obi’s six million votes with Atiku Abubakar’s and hope to defeat the APC’s 8.4 million. But it’s not that simple,” he said.
“Let me give you a little insight — this so-called alliance is already doomed. They underestimate the complexity of the voter segments that backed Obi in 2023.”
Keyamo elaborated that Obi’s electoral strength was anchored on three distinct and highly sensitive demographics: Christian voters, particularly those who viewed him as the only viable Christian candidate; voters from the South-East who felt politically marginalized; and a younger generation eager for transformative leadership. According to him, all three groups would likely withdraw their support if Obi played second fiddle to Atiku.
“If Obi agrees to be Atiku’s running mate, the Christian support will dwindle — they won’t accept him playing a subordinate role to a Muslim candidate again. The South-East will feel betrayed, and the youth who saw Obi as a symbol of hope and a fresh start will abandon the ticket,” Keyamo said.
He further dismissed the notion that such demographic groups would easily shift allegiance to the APC, but quickly pointed out that President Tinubu’s wife, a known pastor, could help the ruling party chip away at the Christian voting bloc.
Touching on regional politics, Keyamo suggested that the South-East would be reluctant to rally behind Atiku, subtly referring to him as “an 80-year-old Muslim candidate” — a remark many interpreted as a veiled critique of Atiku’s age and religion.
When asked about the possibility of reversing roles — making Peter Obi the presidential flagbearer with Atiku as his deputy — Keyamo laughed off the scenario. “Atiku can’t be vice president again — he’s already served two terms in that position. And let’s not forget, Obi has no inroads into the North. We do. We have governors, senators, political machinery — everything.”
He also brushed aside suggestions that the APC’s dominance in the North had been eroded since President Buhari left office. Responding to a question about whether Buhari’s so-called “12 million vote bank” still exists, Keyamo insisted the party remains strong in the region. “People still support us. Don’t be misled. I can take you to places in the North where the APC is still very much alive.”
Boasting about his past predictions, Keyamo reminded viewers of his experience and insight into electoral trends. “I’ve been spokesperson to two different presidents. I predicted the 2019 and 2023 outcomes accurately. Go dig up my old interviews if you doubt me,” he said, comparing himself to the French seer, Nostradamus.
Despite his dismissive tone towards the opposition’s plans, the minister acknowledged that the APC would not take any challenge lightly. “This is not about beating our chests. We’ll work hard. If the opposition is strategizing, that’s fine. It keeps us alert — and that’s good for democracy,” he concluded.