Salihu made the remarks during an interview aired on Arise News and published on the network’s official YouTube channel on June 1, 2026.
He said that political analysis should not focus solely on the number of governors backing a presidential candidate, insisting that electoral success depends on a broader combination of factors.
According to him, the strength of a presidential bid is determined not only by elite endorsements but also by party structure, grassroots mobilization, and the credibility of the political coalition supporting the candidate.
Responding to concerns that defections from the PDP could weaken Atiku’s chances, Salihu argued that such political movements do not necessarily translate into real electoral strength at the grassroots level.
According to him, the strength of a presidential bid is determined not only by elite endorsements but also by party structure, grassroots mobilization, and the credibility of the political coalition supporting the candidate.
Responding to concerns that defections from the PDP could weaken Atiku’s chances, Salihu argued that such political movements do not necessarily translate into real electoral strength at the grassroots level.
He suggested that some of the governors who have left the party may not retain significant influence within their states.
He described some of them as “paper tigers,” implying that their political power may be overstated and may not reflect their actual ability to influence election outcomes.
“Most of the governors who have defected will not support him, as many of them have now become paper tigers in their states,” Salihu stated.
The ADC chieftain further argued that Nigeria’s political dynamics are increasingly shaped by voter sentiment rather than elite alignments alone.
He described some of them as “paper tigers,” implying that their political power may be overstated and may not reflect their actual ability to influence election outcomes.
“Most of the governors who have defected will not support him, as many of them have now become paper tigers in their states,” Salihu stated.
The ADC chieftain further argued that Nigeria’s political dynamics are increasingly shaped by voter sentiment rather than elite alignments alone.
He maintained that public perception, campaign messaging, and coalition-building efforts will play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the 2027 elections.
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