- ‘Atiku-Obi Merger Dead on Arrival’ – FG.
- Keyamo cites economic gains, dismisses opposition tactics as outdated.
- He claims Obi’s support base would collapse if he runs as deputy.
The Federal Government has dismissed claims that a possible alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi could defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking on a political affairs programme on Sunday, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo described the speculated merger as “an unfruitful adventure,” insisting that Nigerians would not be swayed by what he called “outdated strategies.”
“They know us very well, and we also know them very well. Some of these tactics are what I call 419 tactics. These tactics have expired,” Keyamo said.
He accused a key opposition figure of flaunting wealth while claiming to represent ordinary Nigerians, adding that the opposition’s focus on food prices was a superficial attempt to discredit the administration. “They use prices of yams to paint a grim picture but ignore broader economic improvements,” he argued.
According to Keyamo, the Tinubu administration is getting the fundamentals of the economy right, citing stabilising foreign reserves, increased government revenue, and a stronger naira as signs of recovery. “These are indices of a healthy economy. The trickle-down effect will free up spaces for jobs and put money in people’s pockets,” he said.
On the proposed Atiku-Obi alliance, Keyamo predicted it would fail to replicate their 2023 numbers. He argued that Obi’s three major support bases – religious identity, South-East regional loyalty, and the youth-driven “Obidient” movement – would weaken if he becomes a vice-presidential candidate.
“If Obi is made a deputy, the Christian demography will pull out. Besides, the President’s wife is a pastor, which appeals to Christian voters too,” Keyamo stated, adding that youths would not campaign for “an 80-year-old Muslim president.”
