2027 Presidency: Why Atiku Abubakar Could Upset Tinubu

According to a report by The Vanguard on Saturday, November 14, 2026, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is making moves to strengthen his political position ahead of the 2027 general elections, with growing attention on his ability to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The political atmosphere ahead of the election is gradually becoming more competitive as Nigerians continue to express concerns about the country’s economic situation, rising inflation, high food prices and insecurity. These challenges have created an opportunity for opposition politicians to question the policies of the Tinubu administration and present alternative ideas to voters.

Although Tinubu has the advantage of being the incumbent president, with the political structure and support networks available to the ruling party, Atiku is expected to rely heavily on his long-standing political connections, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

One of the major areas of focus in Atiku’s political strategy is increasing voter participation in the North. During recent mobilisation activities in Sokoto, the former vice-president urged his supporters to participate actively in the electoral process. He also encouraged them to protect their votes and ensure that every ballot cast is properly counted.

Atiku believes that poor voter turnout could weaken the opposition’s chances and reduce the political influence of regions with large numbers of registered voters. His appeal suggests that mobilising supporters and encouraging them to participate in the election will remain important parts of his preparations.

Meanwhile, former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has made claims about possible political changes within the North. Dalung reportedly suggested that some supporters who previously identified with the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s political movement may be moving towards Atiku.

Although these claims have not been established through election results, they point to the competition among political leaders to attract voters who previously supported other political groups.

The country’s economic situation is also expected to play an important role in the 2027 election. Rising living costs, food insecurity, unemployment and financial difficulties have increased public discussions about the performance of the current administration.

For Atiku, turning public dissatisfaction into electoral support will depend on his ability to present convincing solutions, particularly in areas such as economic recovery, employment opportunities and national security.

However, challenging Tinubu will not be an easy task. The APC has an established political structure, while Atiku must also work towards expanding his support beyond Northern Nigeria and attracting voters in the South.

He will equally need to manage internal party disagreements and address any legal or political challenges that could affect his ambition.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the contest is expected to be influenced by the performance of the current administration, the strength of opposition mobilisation and the ability of presidential candidates to convince Nigerians that they can address the country’s major problems.

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