Atiku, Obi, BAT Have Their Followers But Atiku Has Gained More Sympathizers In Recent Months – Yusuf
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has continued to strengthen his political support base ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with policy strategist and Group CEO of a global investment and trade company, Baba Yusuf, saying the former vice president has gained more sympathisers in recent months.
Yusuf made the observation during an interview on Arise News on Thursday, September 3, 2026, while assessing the political standing of Atiku and other leading presidential contenders ahead of the 2027 election.
According to the policy strategist, the major presidential contenders have largely maintained distinct support bases, with Atiku, Peter Obi and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu each commanding loyal supporters within different regions and political constituencies.
Yusuf, however, noted that Atiku’s support base appears to have expanded in recent months, a development he linked to the former vice president’s position on key economic issues, particularly the controversial fuel subsidy policy.
“Former Vice President Atiku’s following is distinct from Peter Obi’s following, and from Tinubu’s following, they each have their soldiers in their regions. And, to be honest with you, former Vice President Atiku has actually garnered more sympathizers and supporters in the last couple of months,” Yusuf said.
Atiku’s position on fuel subsidy has increasingly featured in the political debate ahead of 2027, particularly as Nigerians continue to grapple with the impact of fuel prices and the broader cost-of-living crisis.
The issue has become a major point of differentiation among the presidential contenders, with the opposition seeking to present alternative approaches to the economic policies of the current administration.
Yusuf’s assessment suggests that Atiku’s stance on the subsidy question may be resonating with some Nigerians who remain concerned about the economic consequences of subsidy removal, particularly the rising cost of transportation, food and other essential goods.
The former vice president’s growing support, as described by Yusuf, also comes amid renewed efforts by opposition politicians to consolidate their respective political structures and appeal to voters beyond their traditional strongholds.
However, Yusuf stressed that Atiku’s political following remains distinct from those of Obi and Tinubu, underscoring the different constituencies and regional strengths each contender brings into the emerging 2027 contest.
The comments highlight the increasingly competitive nature of the presidential race, where economic policies and the ability to respond to the hardship confronting Nigerians are expected to play a significant role in shaping voter preferences.
COURTESY: Ecclesiastical
