Phrank Shaibu, a media aide to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has predicted that the 2027 presidential election will be one of the easiest for his principal, arguing that Nigerians battling economic hardship will vote for him.
Speaking on the Mic On Podcast, Shaibu said Atiku could win more votes from people unhappy with their living conditions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He was asked how Atiku could improve on his 2023 performance, when he secured 29 per cent of the votes, despite Tinubu’s position as president and his political structure.
“The pathway is simple, and this one, it’s going to be one of the easiest elections for Atiku Abubakar,” Shaibu said.
He expressed confidence that Nigerians struggling with hunger and poverty would back the former vice-president in search of a more affordable life.
“Hungry Nigerians, impoverished Nigerians, who are excited that life will be affordable again, will vote Atiku massively come January 16,” he said.
Shaibu also claimed that Tinubu and members of his family and cabinet knew the administration had failed to improve Nigerians’ lives.
“Tinubu is aware himself that he has failed. His wife is aware that he has failed. His son is aware that he has failed. His ministers are aware that he has failed,” he said.
The aide also questioned the government’s plan to hire 4,000 social media influencers to promote its projects, following comments by Works Minister David Umahi.
“That was why Umahi was on TV the other day, and he told the whole world how he is going to hire 4,000 influencers to showcase what they have done,” Shaibu said.
“Influencing means you need to make believe. You need to show people. You don’t need to struggle to show what you have done if you have made impact in the last three and a half years.”
