2027: Unite Behind Atiku To Defeat Tinubu, Shelle Tells Opposition Parties

 By Temidayo Akinsuyi

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, retired Navy Captain Tunji Shelle, has expressed confidence in former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s capacity to lead the opposition and challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and defeating President Bola Tinubu in the next general election.

Shelle said he did not envisage Atiku stepping down for any of the opposition aspirants, noting that the former vice-president had nursed the ambition of becoming Nigeria’s president for many years and had paid his dues in the country’s political landscape.

According to him, Atiku’s political experience, national outlook and capacity to assemble competent individuals to manage the affairs of the country distinguish him from other presidential hopefuls.

He acknowledged that several other aspirants were equally qualified for the presidency but maintained that Atiku possessed certain attributes that could give him an edge in the race.

“This is not to say that all other aspirants are less qualified. In fact, three or four other candidates are equally eminently qualified, just like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

“But one thing that singles him out is his acceptability and ability to muster eggheads to run the affairs of this complex entity called Nigeria,” Shelle said.

The former PDP chairman described Atiku as a cosmopolitan politician with considerable exposure, carriage and charisma, arguing that these qualities would be important in addressing the country’s numerous challenges.

He also described the former vice-president as the opposition candidate most capable of giving the incumbent government a strong electoral contest.

Shelle, however, emphasised the need for opposition political parties to put aside their differences and work towards building a formidable alliance capable of challenging the APC.

“My wish is that the opposition political parties come together to form a formidable structure and alliance that can give APC a good fight and defeat them in the next election,” he said.

He added that the opposition’s chances of securing victory would be better with Atiku as its candidate.

“Only Atiku has what it takes to defeat Tinubu in January 2027. With Atiku, the chances of winning are better,” Shelle said.