Fresh political tensions are already shaping the 2027 presidential race, with Daniel Bwala openly telling Atiku Abubakar he stands no chance against Bola Tinubu.
Bwala, who serves as special adviser on policy communication to the president, fired back after Atiku declared that the next election would be his final attempt at the presidency.
The former vice-president made the statement during an appearance on Arise TV, where he also expressed confidence that a united opposition could unseat the ruling party.
Atiku pointed to growing momentum around the African Democratic Congress, arguing that any candidate backed by a coalition platform would defeat Tinubu in 2027.
But Bwala was quick to dismiss the claim, describing the ADC alliance as a gathering of “aggrieved stateless leaders” with little political weight.
In a post on X, the presidential aide suggested that Atiku himself would likely emerge as the coalition’s candidate but insisted the outcome would mirror the 2023 election.
“My former boss said with a coalition candidate, President Tinubu is dead on arrival. But we know you are the candidate,” Bwala wrote, adding that Tinubu had already defeated Atiku despite his strong backing at the time.
He argued that the political landscape has since shifted further in Tinubu’s favour, with key structures and influential figures now aligned with the ruling party.
Atiku, who has contested for Nigeria’s top office multiple times, is positioning himself once again as a central figure in opposition politics, framing 2027 as a decisive moment.
The exchange highlights early battle lines in what is expected to be a fiercely contested election, with both camps already working to shape public perception years ahead of the vote.
