Veteran columnist and Professor of Journalism at Kennesaw State University, USA, Farooq Kperogi, has offered a detailed assessment of the strengths and challenges facing Nigeria’s leading political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a podcast, “Conversations with Prof. Jideofor Adibe” on Tuesday evening, Kperogi examined the prospects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
According to Kperogi, President Tinubu’s greatest political advantage remains his access to substantial financial resources and an extensive political network across the country.
He noted that despite growing dissatisfaction with the economic situation, particularly in Northern Nigeria, it would be premature to conclude that public discontent would automatically translate into electoral defeat for the president.
Kperogi argued that widespread poverty has made many voters vulnerable to financial inducements, adding that it is unfair to blame poor citizens for accepting money from politicians when many are struggling to survive.
“People are dealing with immediate economic pressures. For many of them, campaign periods are the only times politicians engage directly with them,” he said.
On Atiku Abubakar’s chances, Kperogi described the former vice president as the most influential Muslim politician in Northern Nigeria with considerable acceptance among Christian communities.
He said Atiku’s longstanding relationships across regional and religious divides place him in a strong position politically, arguing that few Northern politicians enjoy a similar level of acceptance nationwide.
Kperogi further suggested that Atiku could win a significant share of votes across the North and remain competitive in parts of Southern Nigeria.
Discussing Peter Obi’s prospects, the journalism professor acknowledged that the former Anambra State governor continues to face challenges in the North-West region.
However, he said Obi’s chances could improve considerably if he forms strategic alliances with influential Northern political figures such as Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
According to Kperogi, Obi’s campaign must focus on broadening its appeal across the entire North rather than concentrating on Kano State alone.
He also cautioned some supporters of Kwankwaso against attacking respected Northern political icons such as Sir Ahmadu Bello and Aminu Kano, warning that such rhetoric could alienate potential allies and voters.
Speaking on Kwankwaso’s enduring popularity, Kperogi attributed much of the former Kano governor’s political strength to his investments in education.
He noted that thousands of young Nigerians benefited from scholarship programmes sponsored by Kwankwaso, with many studying abroad and later qualifying as doctors, engineers and other professionals.
According to him, these educational initiatives have created a loyal support base that continues to sustain Kwankwaso’s influence, particularly in Kano State and parts of Northern Nigeria.
Kperogi concluded that the 2027 presidential race remains highly fluid, stressing that political alliances, campaign messaging, voter sentiments and economic realities will ultimately determine the outcome of the election.
