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Sumner Sambo, Director of News and Politics Editor at Arise News, discussed the changing Nigerian presidential race for 2027 in an interview airing on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, on Arise TV. Sambo focused on the dynamics of the opposition, the level of competition among candidates, and the influential political figures who are expected to influence the contest.
Noting that there are factors outside party allegiance that typically decide political success in Nigeria, Sambo spoke about the larger obstacles that presidential hopefuls face. He contended that the impact of well-established political heavyweights, public opinion, and the power of individual politicians are the three most important factors in determining the results of general elections.
During the interview, Sambo made the following statement: “His problem is going to be BAT and Atiku; his main problem is not the party.” He made the comment as he was taking stock of the election season’s competitive scene and the formidable presence of prominent political figures.
He claims that powerful figures with substantial electoral experience and deep roots in national systems will define the political climate going into 2027. He implied that candidates like Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, who have been around for a long time and have a wide network of supporters, are still major players in the political game.
Sambo went on to say that the size of the opposition from these long-standing political personalities is more of a problem for Peter Obi than problems within the party. He insisted that any presidential contender worth their salt must have the skills to increase their sphere of influence, forge stronger alliances, and take on more seasoned national players.
Lastly, he mentioned that with ongoing changes in political alignments leading up to 2027, the election is expected to be characterised by fierce rivalry among main political groups. The success or failure of each group will depend greatly on their strategy, national appeal, and mastery of Nigeria’s intricate electoral system.
