- Rufai Oseni had identified Peter Obi as the only strong opposition challenger to Bola Tinubu for 2027
- He had warned that legal disputes could destabilise the Nigeria Democratic Congress
- He had alleged efforts within political circles to prevent Obi from appearing on the ballot
Anchor at Arise Television, Rufai Oseni, has said former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi remains the only opposition figure capable of mounting a significant challenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Oseni made the remarks on Monday during The Morning Show, where he analysed emerging political alignments and potential strategies ahead of the next electoral cycle.
According to him, political developments surrounding the newly expanding Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) may soon trigger internal disputes and legal battles, particularly over its registration and growing membership base.
He warned that litigation could become a defining feature of the party’s immediate future. “I think it’s going to be the beginning of more troubles for the NDC because the litigations will begin,” Oseni said, pointing to possible legal challenges linked to the party’s structure and expansion.
Beyond internal party concerns, Oseni alleged that there are broader political efforts aimed at preventing Obi from contesting in the 2027 election. He argued that across party lines, Obi is widely viewed as the most formidable opposition figure capable of posing a serious electoral threat to Tinubu.
“The idea here is Peter Obi not being on the ballot,” he stated. “All the forces will do everything to ensure Obi doesn’t get on the ballot.”
Oseni further claimed that political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have conducted internal political mapping which identifies Obi as the key challenger in the upcoming election.
“The only person that can give President Tinubu some push in this election is Obi,” he added, suggesting that efforts to sideline him could intensify as the election approaches.
His comments come amid recent realignments within Nigeria’s opposition space. DAILY POST recalls that Obi, alongside former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, recently joined the NDC.
Both politicians were formally received into the party by its national leader, Seriake Dickson, during an event held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Sunday evening.
The development has fuelled speculation about a broader opposition coalition ahead of 2027, even as questions remain about party cohesion, legal stability, and the ability of emerging alliances to present a united front.
Political observers note that while the realignments signal early positioning for the next election cycle, the evolving dynamics within opposition parties—and potential legal hurdles—could play a decisive role in shaping the final ballot.