Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has said President Bola Tinubu currently faces no major threat ahead of the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the opposition has undermined its own chances by splintering into multiple political camps.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Fayose said the opposition’s inability to unite behind a single platform has significantly strengthened Tinubu’s prospects for a second term.
According to him, public sentiment on social media does not necessarily reflect political realities on the ground.
“Nobody is seriously challenging Tinubu. People may not like to hear that, but there is a difference between political reality and the noise we see on social media,” he said.
His remarks come amid widespread public concern over rising insecurity, economic hardship and the high cost of living across the country.
Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges in several parts of the country, including Oyo, Kwara and parts of northern Nigeria, while many citizens have expressed frustration over inflation and declining purchasing power.
Despite the challenges, a number of politicians have already emerged as potential contenders for the 2027 presidential election.
They include Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Seyi Makinde of the Allied People Movement, Dumebi Kachikwu of the ADC, Esther Okereke of the National Rescue Movement and Omoyele Sowore.
Political analysts have suggested that the growing number of opposition candidates could split votes and ultimately benefit the ruling party.
Fayose shares that view, insisting that the opposition has weakened itself through internal divisions.
“If the opposition coalition had remained together under one platform and presented a united front against Tinubu, then I would say the President could face a real contest,” he said.
According to him, the emergence of multiple opposition parties has made the ruling party’s task much easier.
“They once accused Tinubu of trying to create a one-party state. Today, they are the ones scattering themselves into different parties. They have damaged their own chances,” Fayose added.
The former governor also recalled that Tinubu emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election despite facing strong competition from both Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
He argued that a divided opposition in 2027 would likely produce a similar outcome.
“In 2023, it was a major three-horse race involving Tinubu, Atiku and Obi, yet Tinubu won. With the opposition even more divided now, I believe he will win again with relative ease,” Fayose said.
His comments add to the growing debate over whether Nigeria’s opposition parties can overcome their differences and build a united platform capable of mounting a serious challenge to the ruling APC in 2027.
