Nigeria 2027 race: pro-Tinubu push, poll and defections reported
Nigerian outlets separately report a pro-Tinubu campaign drive, an online poll favouring Atiku, a former senator's comments on Atiku, and party defections ahead of the 2027 election.
What happened
George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, called on heads of ministries, departments and agencies to begin grassroots campaigning for President Tinubu, with a forum reportedly targeting 10 million votes.1
An online poll titled Tinubu-Must-Go, run over 24 hours from September 24 to 25 with 109,799 respondents, showed 80,809 votes (73.6%) for opposition figure Atiku Abubakar, putting him ahead of Peter Obi and other potential candidates, according to Vanguard.2
Former senator Shehu Sani said an Atiku victory in 2027 would end Nigeria's rotational presidency arrangement, according to Punch.3
Atiku and Aregbesola received PDP defectors, including former Ondo governorship candidate Eyitayo Jegede, into the ADC party; Jegede said the move was meant to rescue Ondo State from APC rule, according to Premium Times.4
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed reported an official response from President Tinubu or the ruling APC to the poll results or to Shehu Sani's comments.
- None of the outlets reviewed provided details on how the Tinubu-Must-Go poll was conducted or verified, including its methodology or organiser.
- None of the outlets reviewed reported comment from Atiku Abubakar himself on the poll or on Shehu Sani's remarks.
Why it matters
George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, called on heads of ministries, departments and agencies to begin grassroots campaigning for Tinubu, with a forum reportedly targeting 10 million votes.1
An online poll titled Tinubu-Must-Go, run over 24 hours from September 24 to 25 with 109,799 respondents, showed 80,809 votes (73.6%) for Atiku, putting him ahead of Peter Obi and other potential candidates.2
Former senator Shehu Sani said an Atiku victory in 2027 would end Nigeria's rotational presidency arrangement.3
Atiku and Aregbesola received PDP defectors, including former Ondo governorship candidate Eyitayo Jegede, into the ADC party; Jegede said the move was meant to rescue Ondo State from APC rule.4
What to watch
- Further developments in campaign activities from both the Tinubu and Atiku camps ahead of 2027.
- Additional party defections to the ADC or other opposition platforms.
- Possible reactions from the APC or Tinubu's camp to the Tinubu-Must-Go poll.
Sources (4)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
Africa
- 1BusinessDayNGPrivate
2027: Akume charges heads of MDAs to commence grassroots campaigns for Tinubu
- 2VanguardNGPrivate
Tinubu-Must-Go poll puts Atiku ahead of Obi, others for 2027
- 3PunchNGPrivate
2027: Atiku’s victory will end rotational presidency in Nigeria – Shehu Sani
- 4Premium TimesNGIndependent