The Presidency has claimed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi are strongly interested in defeating President Bola Tinubu and taking over the presidency in 2027.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, made the statement on Monday while reacting to recent comments by Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, about some of the Federal Government’s economic policies.
Dangote had expressed appreciation to Tinubu for taking steps that led to the removal of the petrol subsidy and changes to the foreign exchange system. He also credited the administration with creating an environment that helped his refinery begin operations.
Onanuga used Dangote’s remarks to criticise politicians calling for some of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies to be reversed.
The presidential aide argued that politicians seeking to take over from Tinubu should consider Dangote’s assessment of the reforms before calling for a return to previous policies.
He specifically mentioned Atiku and Obi, who are expected to be major contenders in the 2027 presidential election, and accused them of wanting Tinubu’s position.
Onanuga also defended the administration’s economic measures, arguing that reversing them would not be in the country’s interest.
The exchange comes as political parties and major political figures intensify their preparations for the 2027 election, with the Tinubu administration facing criticism from opposition politicians over the impact of its economic reforms.
Atiku and Obi have both remained active in national politics as preparations for the next presidential election gather pace, while the Presidency continues to defend Tinubu’s policies and record.