Ayodele Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti State, has expressed strong reservations about the candidacy of Atiku Abubakar for the upcoming 2027 presidential election, suggesting that the former vice president is too old to effectively run. In a recent interview on TVC’s Politics Tonight, Fayose drew a comparison between Atiku and Joe Biden, the former President of the United States, implying that both politicians have surpassed their prime.

Fayose stated, "Atiku is now really old. He’s a good man, but time has caught up with him. Atiku contesting an election is like calling Biden to come and contest again." This remark underscores his belief that age may hinder Atiku's ability to connect with voters and lead effectively in the current political landscape.

In addition to his comments about Atiku, Fayose also addressed the challenges facing Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku's running mate from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He noted that Amaechi could struggle to garner support in the South-South region, citing a lack of political influence and cohesion within their party. "In Rivers State, during this election, Amaechi will have very little support. Even the party is not together," Fayose remarked, indicating that the ADC and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) are not well-established in the area.

Fayose further emphasized that the 2027 election may represent a final opportunity for several prominent political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi, to seek office. He believes that this election cycle is critical for these candidates, suggesting that their political careers may be nearing an end.

This commentary from Fayose adds to the growing discourse surrounding the age and political viability of candidates in Nigeria's electoral landscape, as younger politicians increasingly emerge to challenge established figures. As the 2027 elections approach, the dynamics within political parties and the perceptions of their leaders will likely play a significant role in shaping the electoral outcomes.