Austin Okai, a former House of Representatives candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has identified Peter Obi as the primary threat to President Bola Tinubu’s potential re-election bid in 2027.

According to Okai, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) sees Obi as the main contender because of his consistent political activities and increasing support, particularly in Nigeria’s northern region.

“The major threat to APC today is Obi because they know that Jonathan may not contest because some people see him to be weak, some people see him not to be a desperate person,” Okai told Daily Post in a recent interview.

He further analysed the political landscape, noting that while other prominent figures like Rotimi Amaechi and Seyi Makinde exist, “Obi is ahead, every week he is in one activity or the other and the rate of acceptability he is getting in the North is increasing.”

However, Okai also acknowledged President Tinubu’s strategic moves, which have made certain areas difficult for the opposition to capture.

“But Tinubu too has been able to play some games, today it will be difficult to take Plateau, Southern Kaduna, some of those swing states…their key men are being appointed.”

He also noted internal political complexities, citing that “governor Fintiri not working for Atiku in Adamawa – a sitting governor is very powerful.”

Okai warned that the idea of a divided opposition would play directly into the hands of the incumbent.

“We can’t defeat Tinubu with divided opposition, take it to the bank because incumbency alone is 40 percent of the votes.”

He explained that an incumbent candidate is guaranteed a significant percentage of votes due to existing party structures, financial resources, and government institutions.

On the other hand, Okai addressed the calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside.

“If they say Atiku shouldn’t contest, that means somebody is afraid of him and that means he is a threat. Why will people say he should not contest, are you funding him? The major threat will be Peter Obi if Jonathan is not contesting,” he added.

Okai also commented on Peter Obi’s potential role as a running mate, arguing that such a move would not be well-received by the southern region.

“The South will not vote for him because the Southern region wants the presidency not running mate.”

He also questioned the practicality of Obi’s proposal for a single term, suggesting that such agreements could be disregarded once in power, referencing a similar situation with former President Jonathan. (Saturday Tribune, excluding headline)