Social commentator and businessman Isaac Fayose has expressed confidence that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), will win the 2027 presidential election in Abuja. Fayose made this statement on Tuesday while speaking on News Central TV. His assertion is in direct contrast to the recent statement by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who claimed that opposition parties were not popular in Abuja.
Wike had described the 2027 election as an easy contest, saying President Bola Tinubu would win both Rivers State and the FCT. However, Fayose disagreed with the minister, insisting that Abuja supports Obi and the NDC. "Abuja is NDC, Abuja is Peter Obi," Fayose said. This public disagreement between Fayose and Wike highlights the differing views on the popularity of opposition parties in the FCT.
Fayose also alleged that the ruling party could attempt to manipulate the election results but said the NDC was making plans to prevent such an occurrence. He expressed concern about possible attempts to suppress votes during the election, stating that many Nigerians were ready to vote. "People are ready to vote. All we are scared of now is what angle are they going to suppress us from this time? This is the only area we are trying to fine-tune," he said.
To gauge public opinion, Fayose urged Nigerians to engage with people on the streets to find out who they intend to vote for in the election. He suggested that Nigeria could learn from other countries that conduct opinion polls and mock elections before major elections to determine voters' preferences. "Go to the street and try to talk to one or two people. Ask them, 'Who are you going to vote for?'"
Fayose's comments are not the first time he has spoken out on the 2027 election. His statement follows a recent assertion by Wike that Obi's 2023 support in the South-East was negligible. Wike's comments were swiftly responded to by various stakeholders, including Sowore, who claimed that Wike's statements were vindicating his own claims.
The disagreement between Fayose and Wike reflects the ongoing debate about the popularity of various political parties in Nigeria, particularly in the FCT. As the 2027 election approaches, stakeholders and politicians continue to express their views on the likely outcome.
The 2027 presidential election is expected to be a major event in Nigeria's political landscape. With various stakeholders already expressing their opinions on the likely outcome, it remains to be seen how the election will unfold.
Key points
- Isaac Fayose claims Peter Obi will win the 2027 presidential election in Abuja.
- Nyesom Wike asserts that opposition parties lack popularity in Abuja.
- Fayose alleges the ruling party may attempt to manipulate the election results.
