Dare Babalola
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Showunmi, has projected that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will emerge as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a social media post on Thursday, Showunmi expressed strong confidence in Atiku’s prospects within the party, declaring, “Without a shred of doubt Waziri Atiku Abubakar is going to be the candidate of ADC.”
He added that Atiku’s “closest rival” in the anticipated contest would be former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Beyond candidate projections, Showunmi offered a sweeping assessment of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, particularly voter sentiment across regions.
He noted that both the “rural North and urban North are angry to their bones,” suggesting deep-seated dissatisfaction that could significantly influence electoral outcomes in 2027.
The PDP chieftain also issued a veiled warning to political actors he accused of abandoning allies after benefiting from their support.
According to him, “Those who love to use and dump their allies and friends may finally understand that it is best they listen and start their personal rescue mission,” implying that shifting loyalties and grievances could reshape political alignments in the coming election cycle.
Speaking on Atiku’s preparedness, Showunmi emphasised the former vice president’s determination to actively engage the contest.
“I know Waziri and trust me his gloves are off and he will give the contest a lot of attention,” he wrote, portraying the expected race as highly competitive.
Showunmi further identified the South-East as a critical battleground that could determine the outcome of the 2027 election.
“The South East has become the decider of 2027,” he stated.
In contrast, he expressed uncertainty about the South-West, describing the region’s turnout and voting pattern as “unreliable.”
He also underscored the strategic importance of the North-Central region, urging politicians to pay closer attention to its concerns.
“The North Central must be pampered—it is that serious,” he said, highlighting the region’s potential role as a swing bloc.
In a broader reflection on Nigeria’s governance challenges, Showunmi reiterated calls for structural reforms, stating bluntly, “Or better still just restructure the damn country.”
He concluded his remarks with a Yoruba proverb—“Koro koro lanro ifa aditi”—which he translated as a call to persist in speaking out in the hope that those unwilling to listen might eventually hear.
