2027 Showdown: Onovo Declares Atiku, Old Politicians Unfit to Challenge Tinubu—Calls for Young, Strong Opposition Candidate

Lagos, Nigeria – Former presidential candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party, Martin Onovo, has sparked controversy by dismissing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other older politicians as viable candidates for the opposition in the 2027 presidential election.

In an explosive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Onovo, who is also the Head of Policy Positions at the Movement for Fundamental Changes, insisted that the only way the opposition can unseat President Bola Tinubu is through unity and by fielding a young, energetic candidate with a strong moral and physical presence.

“The opposition doesn’t need Atiku or any old politician if they want to win in 2027. It is time to use the energy of the young. The coalition needs a candidate with a clear agenda, strong integrity, and physical and mental competence,” Onovo declared.

His remarks come amid the formation of a mega opposition coalition led by Atiku Abubakar, which aims to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election. The coalition, unveiled in Abuja, has brought together major political figures, including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi (represented by Dr. Yunusa Tanko), former SGF Babachir Lawal, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Despite his reservations about Atiku, Onovo acknowledged that the ruling APC could still retain power if Tinubu’s government successfully tackles economic hardship caused by subsidy removal and security issues plaguing the country.

As political tensions rise ahead of 2027, Onovo’s comments have fueled debate over whether Nigeria’s opposition truly needs fresh faces or if veteran politicians like Atiku still stand a chance against the ruling party.