Phrank Shaibu, a media aide to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has predicted that the 2027 presidential election will be the easiest electoral contest for his principal, citing widespread economic hardship and dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Shaibu made the assertion during an interview on the Mic On Podcast, where he discussed Atiku’s prospects of improving on his performance in the 2023 presidential election, in which he secured 29 per cent of the votes.
He expressed confidence that Nigerians grappling with rising living costs, hunger and poverty would support Atiku in the next election, arguing that economic conditions would significantly influence voters’ decisions.
“The pathway is simple, and this one, it’s going to be one of the easiest elections for Atiku Abubakar,” Shaibu said.
He added that voters seeking improved living conditions and greater economic affordability would rally behind the former vice-president.
“Hungry Nigerians, impoverished Nigerians, who are excited that life will be affordable again, will vote Atiku massively come January 16,” he said.
Shaibu maintained that Atiku could attract additional votes from citizens who believe the current administration has failed to deliver meaningful improvements in their living conditions.
He also claimed that Tinubu and members of his family and cabinet were aware of the administration’s shortcomings.
“Tinubu is aware himself that he has failed. His wife is aware that he has failed. His son is aware that he has failed. His ministers are aware that he has failed,” the aide said.
The Atiku aide also criticised the Federal Government’s reported plan to engage 4,000 social media influencers to publicise its achievements, following remarks by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, on the initiative.
Shaibu questioned the need for such a large-scale publicity campaign, arguing that an administration that had made a significant impact on citizens’ lives should be able to demonstrate its achievements without relying heavily on paid online promotion.
“That was why Umahi was on TV the other day, and he told the whole world how he is going to hire 4,000 influencers to showcase what they have done,” he said.
“Influencing means you need to make believe. You need to show people. You don’t need to struggle to show what you have done if you have made impact in the last three and a half years.”
His comments come amid early political positioning ahead of the 2027 general election, with economic conditions, governance performance and the ability of opposition figures to mobilise public support expected to feature prominently in political debates.
However, Shaibu’s assertions represent the position of Atiku’s camp, rather than an established assessment of the former vice-president’s electoral prospects. The eventual outcome will depend on voters’ preferences, campaign strategies and other political developments ahead of the election.
