Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has said a presidential ticket featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would have a better chance of winning the 2027 presidential election than if both politicians contested separately.
Lawal made the remarks during an interview with Symfoni TV, where he shared his assessment of the possible contenders in the next presidential race.
According to him, a joint Obi-Kwankwaso ticket would be a formidable force capable of defeating other candidates.
“Peter Obi will try to be fair to everybody. Peter Obi will try to do that which is right. Peter Obi, Kwankwaso, take note, I’m pairing them. Individually will be disaster, but I’m pairing them,” Lawal said.
The former SGF estimated that such a ticket would have about a 70 per cent chance of winning, while giving President Bola Tinubu a 50 per cent chance.
He was, however, dismissive of the chances of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, saying he does not believe the former PDP presidential candidate can win the 2027 election.
“So I’ll give them, on my own scale, close to like 70 per cent. Again, Bola, 50. Atiku, zero,” he stated.
Lawal further added:
“Definitely, Atiku will lose. He will, and I pray he loses. I’m not the only one, and he will lose.”
His comments come amid his strained relationship with Atiku following his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Lawal has repeatedly alleged that the ADC presidential primary, which produced Atiku as the party’s presidential candidate, was plagued by widespread irregularities—an allegation the party has not officially acknowledged.
His latest remarks are expected to fuel further political debate as discussions around possible alliances and coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum.
