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Cover Story :2027 Power Play: Can an Atiku-Amaechi Ticket Unite the Opposition and Unseat APC?

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1 year ago

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Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

As the momentum for the 2027 presidential election builds, several permutations have been ongoing within the opposition camp particularly around what viable political platform to adopt and who to field as a flagbearer capable of winning the forthcoming election.

For some observers, Atiku Abubakar currently appears to have the best chance of emerging as the candidate for the opposition taking various political factors into account. The camp’s indecision to present a unified voice thus far is, without a doubt, linked largely to the challenge of choosing acceptable candidates.

Amid these developments, and with speculation circulating on social media that Rotimi Amaechi could emerge as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate to dislodge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from power in 2027, Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa filed the following report.

A public affairs analyst, Dr. Kabir Sa’ed Sufi, remarked that Amaechi’s fearless disposition especially during the 2014 formation of the APC makes him a strong contender for the vice-presidential slot. “Yes, I think if Obi declines and with Okowa automatically out of the equation, Amaechi could be a good VP candidate if Atiku or the opposition considers the South-East/South-South for the slot,” he stated.

The two political analysts Dr Kabir Said Sufi and Nasir Danjuma Yunusa

The two political analysts Dr Kabir Said Sufi and Nasir Danjuma Yunusa

Dr. Sufi elaborated, “This is due to many reasons, including his consistency as a vocal politician. He has also become one of the few prominent voices of the opposition, particularly since losing the APC ticket to Tinubu.”

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He further noted that Amaechi may be able to win over a segment of Buhari’s loyalists due to political alignments observed during the APC’s 2022 primary elections. “He may bring along a section of the Buhari camp to the ticket,” he added.

However, Dr. Kabir acknowledged that Amaechi may face difficulties in Rivers State, especially considering the recent reconciliation between Governor Fubara and former Governor Wike. “With Fubara now aligned with Wike, Rivers State might not be an easy ride for Amaechi,” he warned.

In contrast, seasoned political commentator and analyst, Scientist Nasir Danjuma Yunusa, offered a different view entirely.

“To start with, Atiku Abubakar should take a break from the race at least for now,” he said pointedly. When asked why, he replied, “It’s crystal clear he doesn’t command the affection of his people the way Buhari did. And that’s what he needs to unseat an incumbent government.”

He added, “Besides, this is not the time for the North. Many Nigerians, especially from the South, will likely view another northern candidacy as a selfish political move.”

Scientist Nasir also stressed that the current structure of the ruling APC in the North would make it difficult for Atiku or any other northern candidate to defeat Tinubu.

When asked for a viable alternative, he responded, “The opposition should present a southern candidate who is politically sound enough to withstand the ruling party. Then, all northern elites in the opposition camp must rally behind that candidate. That’s the only way victory can be contemplated.”

He went on to suggest that if a northerner like Atiku is to be fielded, then all southern politicians in the camp must unite behind him. “Given the current hardship experienced by Nigerians, if the opposition fields Atiku or another northern candidate, pairing him with Amaechi could be a strategic move assuming there’s no strong southern presidential aspirant in play.”

Mr. Nasir concluded by proposing potential combinations that could boost the opposition’s chances: “A ticket of Amaechi/Kwankwaso or Obi/Kwankwaso would be formidable heading into 2027. With either Amaechi or Obi as presidential candidate and Kwankwaso as running mate, the opposition could find a smoother path to Aso Rock.”

When asked whether Kwankwaso’s supporters the famed “red cap disciples” would support such a coalition, he said, “The truth is that Kwankwaso remains a local politician whose influence is strongest in Kano. While he has northern clout, it doesn’t match the national appeal of Obi or Amaechi.”

From the various perspectives offered by political analysts, one thing becomes clear: the 2027 general election may require nothing short of a political revolution for the opposition to triumph. And any follower of these opposition leaders must be prepared for just that.

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KANSIEC Chairman Advises Fruits Sellers Association to Modernize Business

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11 hours ago

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September 12, 2026

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The Fruits Sellers Association, Kano State Chapter, has been advised to develop a strategic plan within a specific timeframe to modernize its business operations.

The Chairman of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC, Professor Sani Lawal Malumfashi, gave the advice during a courtesy visit by members of the association to his office.

Professor Malumfashi stated that the fruit business anywhere in the world serves customers from all backgrounds, both rich and poor, due to the importance of fruits in food consumption.

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He maintained that the association should seek recognition across the three tiers of government in order to benefit from government policies and programmes.

The KANSIEC Chairman added that the present administration under the Executive Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, is transforming Kano into a modern metropolitan city with many parks. He said fruit sellers should secure designated spaces around the corners of flyovers across the city.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Fruits Sellers Association of Nigeria, Kano State Chapter, Alhaji Safiyanu Abdullahi, said they visited KANSIEC to seek guidance on how to conduct free, fair, and peaceful elections within the association.

Bashir Habib Yahya
Media Aide to the KANSIEC Chairman
Date: 11/09/2026

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Breaking :Former PDP National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur Is Dead

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13 hours ago

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September 12, 2026

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Former Chairman of the peoples Democratic party during Jonathan’s administration Alhaji Bamanga Tukur is dead .

A credible source in Yola the capital of Adamawa state informed Nigerian Tracker that Alhaji Bamanga Tukur passes on in Abuja.

The source said his body will later be conveyed to Yola the capital of Adamawa state for funeral at the palace of Lamidon Adamawa Alhaji Muhammad Barkindo .

 

Alhaji Dr. Bamanga Mahmud Tukur (CON) was a prominent Nigerian politician, businessman, administrator, and elder statesman who has had a towering impact on Nigeria’s socio-political and economic sectors for over six decades.

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He was widely recognized for his roles as the former Governor of the old Gongola State, the former Minister of Industries, and the former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Early Life and EducationDate of Birth: Born on 15 September 1935 in what is today Adamawa State, Nigeria.

Higher Education: He obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree from the University of Pittsburgh in the United States.

Honorary Recognition: He was awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Honoris Causa) by Benue State University in Makurdi, Nigeria.

Traditional Titles: Reflecting his high regional and cultural status, he holds the distinguished traditional titles of Tafidan Adamawa and Wakilin Ganye in Adamawa State.

Career in Public Service & Governance
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA):
Served as General Manager/Chief Executive from 1975 to 1982, managing port congestion and modernizing seaports.

Governor of Old Gongola State: Elected during the Second Republic in 1982, serving a brief term before the December 1983 military coup.

Minister for Industries: Served under General Sani Abacha’s military administration from 1993 to 1995.

Business and Continental Leadership Founder of BHI Holdings (Daddo Group),

Tukur expanded his economic influence across Africa:

Africa Business Roundtable (ABR): Founder, past president, and Life Patron.

NEPAD Business Group: Elected Chairman in March 2002.

International Maritime Stature: First African Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH)

PDP National Chairmanship (2012–2014)Elected PDP National Chairman in March 2012.

 

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Nigeria’s Oil Output Hits 1.573m bpd as OPEC Production Rises–Report Says

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1 day ago

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September 11, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Nigeria’s crude oil production, excluding condensate, rose by 35,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.573 million bpd in August 2026, from 1.537 million bpd in July, according to the latest data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The increase, representing a 2.3 per cent month-on-month (MoM) growth, places Nigeria among OPEC members that recorded higher production during the month.

OPEC, in its latest monthly data based on direct communication from member countries, said Nigeria’s August output was its highest monthly production level in the data provided for 2026.

The August figure also exceeded Nigeria’s average production of 1.552 million bpd in the second quarter of 2026, indicating a gradual improvement in upstream output.

The development comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government and oil producers to boost production through improved security, fresh upstream investments, new projects and the rehabilitation of existing assets.

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Across OPEC, crude oil production increased by 346,000 bpd to 24.081 million bpd in August, from 23.735 million bpd in July.

Iraq recorded the largest increase among OPEC members, with output surging by 664,000 bpd to 3.378 million bpd. Kuwait followed with a 49,000-bpd increase to 1.894 million bpd, while the United Arab Emirates added 54,000 bpd to reach 3.835 million bpd.

Venezuela also increased production by 23,000 bpd to 1.145 million bpd.

However, some major producers recorded declines. Saudi Arabia’s output fell by 75,000 bpd to 7.276 million bpd, while Algeria and Libya declined by 8,000 bpd and 9,000 bpd to 999,000 bpd and 1.355 million bpd respectively.

Iran recorded the largest decline, with production dropping by 399,000 bpd to 2.086 million bpd.

Beyond OPEC, total production by the broader OPEC+ group, comprising OPEC members and participating non-OPEC producers under the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC), rose by 297,000 bpd to 38.055 million bpd in August.

Within the non-OPEC DoC group, Kazakhstan increased production by 159,000 bpd to 1.807 million bpd, while Russia cut output by 160,000 bpd to 8.718 million bpd.

For Nigeria, the latest production increase could provide some relief to government revenue and foreign exchange earnings, given the continued importance of crude oil exports to the economy.

Nigeria has set a target of raising crude oil production towards three million bpd by 2030, making sustained increases essential to achieving the ambition.

However, the country still faces significant challenges, including ageing fields, infrastructure constraints, crude theft, funding difficulties and the need to attract new investment into the upstream sector.

The August performance therefore represents progress, but maintaining the upward trend will be crucial if Nigeria is to close the gap between current production and its ambitious 2030 target.

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