There Is A Rumour That Maybe Eventually Atiku Will Step Down,So That It’ll Be Obi Versus BAT —Ayoade

Professor John Ayoade, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Political Science at the University of Ibadan, has discussed the political calculations and possible realignments that could shape Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

Speaking during a recent interview on Edmund Obilo on Monday, October 5, 2026, Ayoade addressed reports and rumours surrounding the ambitions of major opposition figures and how the presidential contest could eventually take shape.

Ayoade said one of the possibilities being discussed was the potential withdrawal of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the presidential race, which could create a contest involving Peter Obi and President Bola Tinubu.

“There is a rumour that maybe eventually Atiku will step down, so that it will be Obi versus Tinubu,” Ayoade said.

The professor, however, presented the possibility as a rumour while explaining the political manoeuvring and calculations taking place ahead of the 2027 election.

He noted that if Atiku were eventually to abandon his presidential ambition, the political landscape could change, potentially resulting in a direct contest between Obi and Tinubu.

Ayoade also drew attention to the influence of political power brokers, noting that individuals do not necessarily have to occupy prominent political offices to influence major political decisions.

According to him, Nigerians should pay attention to the interests and calculations behind political arrangements, particularly when political actors seek to influence who contests an election and who eventually withdraws from the race.

He further observed that the political environment ahead of 2027 was likely to remain fluid, with rumours, alliances, realignments and strategic calculations continuing to shape discussions among politicians and political groups.

Ayoade said the emergence of different possible scenarios demonstrated that the 2027 presidential contest was still developing and that decisions by major political figures could affect the eventual configuration of the race.

He added that political developments leading up to the election would continue to generate discussions about the major contenders and possible combinations in the presidential contest.

Watch the video starting from 5:20 to 5:31

Newsrain [email protected]