By SUNTV Global Channel
August 9, 2026
Politics | Nigeria
ABUJA, Nigeria — Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has warned that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi may not be able to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election if they contest separately.
Adeyanju made the statement during an interview on the Mic On Podcast, hosted by journalist Seun Okinbaloye.
According to the activist, the biggest political advantage currently enjoyed by President Tinubu is the failure of Nigeria’s opposition parties and political figures to unite behind a single presidential candidate.
Adeyanju argued that both Atiku and Obi would face serious difficulties if they remain on the ballot against one another.
“As long as Atiku is on the ballot and Peter Obi is on the ballot, none of them is going to become President,” Adeyanju said.
He, however, suggested that either opposition figure could have a realistic chance of defeating Tinubu if the other withdrew from the presidential race and supported him.
Opposition Division Gives Tinubu Advantage
Adeyanju attributed what he described as Tinubu’s strong political position to the continued division within the opposition.
He said the opposition repeated a similar mistake during the 2023 presidential election by failing to unite behind a consensus candidate.
“The reason why they are confident is because the opposition is not united,” Adeyanju said.
He further noted that Tinubu now has the additional advantage of incumbency, unlike during the 2023 election when he was an opposition candidate.
“That time, Tinubu was outside the system. Now Tinubu is inside Aso Rock. He is President and Commander-in-Chief. Is it now that a divided opposition can defeat him?” he asked.
Adeyanju Speaks On Obi Disagreement
The activist also addressed his long-running public disagreements with Peter Obi, insisting that their differences were not politically motivated.
According to Adeyanju, the dispute began after what he described as attacks from aides of the former Anambra governor.
He disclosed that Obi had also taken legal action against him over some of his public comments, adding that he intended to defend his statements in court.
Adeyanju further highlighted his involvement in pro-democracy activism and said his sacrifices should not be compared with Obi’s record in elective office.
“He Will Not Win”
When repeatedly asked about Peter Obi’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, Adeyanju remained emphatic in his assessment.
“There is no if. He will not win,” he said.
Adeyanju concluded that the opposition would need to produce a single presidential candidate capable of bringing together its various political interests if it hopes to mount a serious challenge to Tinubu in 2027.
The 2027 presidential election remains more than a year away, and the final list of candidates, alliances and political platforms will depend on developments leading up to the election.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the statements and predictions attributed to Deji Adeyanju represent his personal political assessment and should not be interpreted as a confirmed outcome of the 2027 election.
Published: August 9, 2026
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