Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and Ovation magazine publisher, Dele Momodu, has said that neither former President Goodluck Jonathan nor Labour Party flagbearer Peter Obi can defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election unless opposition forces unite under a strategic coalition.
Momodu made the remarks in a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, responding to a string of defections from the PDP — including Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah’s switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri’s resignation.
Nigeria ‘Slipping Into One-Party State’ — Momodu
According to Momodu, Nigeria has “comfortably cruised” into a one-party state, as the APC now controls both the executive and legislative arms of government.
“Nigeria has comfortably, voluntarily, and predictably cruised senselessly into a one-party state. Both the executive and the legislative arms finally crossed the Rubicon yesterday under the grip of the ruling party, APC,”
he wrote.
Despite the dominance of the APC, Momodu believes the opposition can still mount a serious challenge — but only through a strong alliance built on ethnic and regional balance.
‘Only a North–South Coalition Can Compete’
He argued that with Tinubu’s influence across the South, opposition parties must now focus on consolidating Northern support.
“The opposition has only one option left to be competitive. Since Tinubu has already locked down the South, opposition must work speedily to lock down the North,”
Momodu said.
He stressed that no Southern candidate — including Jonathan or Obi — can defeat Tinubu without forming a broad-based alliance.
“I do not see any Southern candidate giving Tinubu any tough challenge. Not former President Jonathan. Not Peter Obi. If they run like independent candidates, they will fail spectacularly.”
Momodu’s Formula: Northern Muslim + Southern Christian Ticket
Momodu advised opposition parties to replicate the 2015 coalition model that birthed the APC, calling for a Northern Muslim presidential candidate paired with a Southern Christian running mate to balance Tinubu’s likely Muslim–Muslim ticket.
“If opposition is serious, it must first unite and decide to play the ethnic and religious cards too. Pick a formidable Northern Muslim candidate with a very popular Southern Christian running mate,”
he declared.
‘The Game Is Not Over’
Concluding, Momodu urged opposition blocs such as the PDP, Labour Party, and ADC to act quickly and decisively before 2027.
“The game is not over,” he wrote, “but it requires candidates of absolute necessity.”
