Special Adviser on Media and Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, says he fears that the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi might have more votes than Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 general elections.

Bwala expressed this fear on Friday while responding to questions in an interview on Symfoni TV.

He was speaking on the chances of Atiku, his former principal as next year’s general elections get closer.

He said, “I fear Peter Obi might get more votes than Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 election, and my other fear is that he might come a distant fourth.

“If that happens, his legacy as a politician in his last attempt could be affected.
In the 2023 election, the PDP had several governors, senators, and Reps who supported him, but right now, there is not a single governor backing him.

“The fact remains that Atiku Abubakar has never historically commanded more votes from the North-West in his political career.”

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has defended the conduct of its recent primary elections, insisting that no candidate was imposed by the party’s national leadership.

It also said that all aspirants were given a fair opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu on Thursday, the NDC said its candidate selection process was driven by consultation, consensus-building, and stakeholder engagement through established leadership structures across the country.

The party also insisted that its National Secretariat was never involved in the business of “picking, choosing, or imposing candidates” on any constituency or state, contrary to allegations that have emerged following the conclusion of the primaries.

“At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state,” Enekweizu stated.

According to the party, aspirants seeking elective positions were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states, who were responsible for consultations and recommendations based on local political realities.

The NDC noted that in the South-East geopolitical zone, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with an existing network of respected political leaders and elder statesmen who currently serve as caucus heads across the region.

These include former governors and senior political figures such as Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Achike Udenwa, among others.

The party explained that these leaders were tasked with conducting stakeholder consultations and helping build consensus around aspirants in their respective states.

“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states,” the statement said.

The NDC further stressed that aspirants who disagreed with stakeholder recommendations were not excluded from the process but were allowed to test their popularity through grassroots primaries.

“This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant.”

”Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the party said.

Addressing concerns raised by some aspirants following the primaries, the NDC acknowledged reports of individuals prematurely declaring themselves candidates as well as complaints regarding aspects of the process.

However, it maintained that such issues had been referred to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for resolution.

The statement also highlighted the party’s commitment to affirmative action and greater female participation in politics, noting that efforts had been made to encourage women to seek elective offices while also considering the interests of serving lawmakers.

Looking ahead, the NDC announced plans to begin a broad reconciliation process aimed at healing divisions and strengthening party unity after the conclusion of the primaries.

“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process,” Enekweizu said.

“We count on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion, and the continued growth of our party.”

The party reiterated that its role throughout the nomination process was primarily to welcome new members and aspirants, reassure them of its commitment to fairness and transparency, and direct them to the appropriate caucus structures for participation in party affairs.

According to the NDC, the approach reflects its commitment to internal democracy, consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for established leadership structures as it continues preparations for future elections.

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has predicted that former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke, would emerge victorious if the 2027 presidential election is conducted freely and fairly.

Datti made the assertion during an interview on Symfoni TV’s Niger Unfiltered, where he threw his weight behind Duke, who recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

The former senator described Duke as one of the most qualified political figures in the country and argued that Nigerians have not fully appreciated the depth of his national appeal and leadership credentials.

“In a free and fair election in Nigeria, Donald Duke is the winner,” Datti declared.

When asked whether Duke could genuinely defeat established political figures such as President Bola Tinubu and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Datti insisted that the former Cross River governor possesses qualities that distinguish him from other contenders.

According to him, Duke is a “true Nigerian” whose influence cuts across regional, ethnic and religious divides.

Datti recalled Duke’s long association with Northern Nigeria, noting that he spent much of his formative years in Sokoto and enjoys relationships with influential families across the region.

“He was adopted in President Shagari’s house like a son. There is not a single major northern family that does not know Donald Duke by name,” he said.

The former vice-presidential candidate also highlighted Duke’s educational background, legal career and record in public service, noting that he became governor at the age of 37 and served two terms in Cross River State.

He argued that unlike many politicians who remain under scrutiny years after leaving office, Duke has spent nearly two decades outside government without major corruption controversies.

Datti further dismissed comparisons between Duke and President Tinubu, insisting that both men have vastly different political records.

According to him, Duke’s years in business after leaving office have kept him connected to real economic challenges facing Nigerians, adding that experience gained in the private sector can be as valuable as experience acquired in government.

“Those of us who bring our experience from the business world are even better than those who have been in government misruling and misruling,” he said.

The PRP chieftain also argued that many Nigerians underestimated Peter Obi before the 2023 election and warned that a similar mistake could be made regarding Duke’s prospects.

“There is a kind of storm you will not know when it hits you. People saw Peter Obi’s movement coming. I think they may not see Donald Duke’s coming,” he said.

Datti maintained that if Duke campaigns effectively and presents a compelling vision for the country, he could emerge as the surprise candidate of the 2027 election.