Rufai Oseni Alleges Moves to Keep Peter Obi, Atiku Off 2027 Ballot

Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has alleged that there may be efforts underway to prevent prominent opposition figures, including Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, from appearing on the ballot in the 2027 general elections.

Oseni made the claim on Tuesday during a discussion on Arise TV’s Morning Show while reacting to a recent Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of several political parties.

The controversy stems from a ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party (AP), Action Peoples Party (APP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Action Alliance (AA) over alleged constitutional and statutory breaches.

The judgment followed a suit instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the affected parties failed to satisfy electoral performance requirements necessary for their continued existence as registered political parties.

In addition to ordering their deregistration, the court restrained INEC from recognising the affected parties, accepting nominations from them, or allowing them to participate in activities connected to the 2027 general elections.

The ruling has generated significant political debate because of its potential impact on several political actors. Among those who could be affected is Atiku Abubakar, who has recently been linked with the ADC. The judgment could also have implications for Ademola Adeleke, who is reportedly seeking re-election under the Accord Party platform.

Reacting to the development, Oseni described the court ruling as a possible “test run” designed to gauge public reaction before further political actions are taken ahead of the next election cycle.

According to the veteran broadcaster, opposition parties such as the ADC and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) should remain vigilant, alleging that the judgment may form part of a broader strategy to reshape the political environment before the 2027 polls.

“NDC and ADC should be careful because there will be an attempt, and this is me predicting now, to ensure that Obi, Atiku and other major contenders are not on the ballot,” Oseni stated.

He likened the situation to testing equipment before a major event, arguing that the ruling could be an indication of more significant developments to come.

“What you saw yesterday is just a test. This is not the real place where the whole thing is going. Before you have a show, you test the microphone. They want to see the reactions of Nigerians. More is still coming,” he said.

Oseni questioned the basis for the deregistration order, noting that some of the affected parties had recorded electoral successes in recent elections. He cited instances where the ADC won seats in Kogi State, the APP secured a local government chairmanship position in Jigawa State, and the Zenith Labour Party recorded victories in Abia State.

The broadcaster also expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of judicial decisions influencing political outcomes, warning that such developments could undermine democratic competition if left unchecked.

He further alleged that the ruling came despite previous decisions by the Court of Appeal that appeared to favour the continued existence of some of the affected parties.

According to him, Nigerians must remain alert and actively defend democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Oseni argued that the country faces a critical political moment, especially amid concerns about economic hardship and insecurity, which he believes could shape voter behaviour in the next election.

“This is the beginning of many things. They are just testing the microphone. It’s engineered. More is coming. Nigerians, it is you who will save your democracy,” he said.

He concluded by stressing the need for comprehensive judicial reforms, insisting that strengthening the justice system is just as important as addressing the country’s security challenges.

“Judicial reforms have become so important due to insecurity in Nigeria,” Oseni added.

His remarks have since sparked discussions across political and media circles, with supporters and critics debating whether the court ruling is purely a legal matter or part of a broader political calculation ahead of the 2027 general elections.