Momodu: Opposition must play ethnic, religious cards to defeat Tinubu in 2027

Former presidential candidate and publisher, Dele Momodu, has warned that President Bola Tinubu will secure an easy re-election in 2027 if the opposition fails to unite and field a strategic ticket.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Momodu reacted to the recent wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including those of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri.

He lamented that Nigeria had “cruised senselessly into a one-party state” under the grip of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with both the executive and legislative arms dominated by the ruling party.

According to Momodu, the only path left for the opposition to remain competitive is to consolidate its support base in the North, since Tinubu appears to have already secured dominance in the South.

“The opposition has only one option left to be competitive. Since Tinubu has locked down the South, it must work speedily to lock down the North. With commonsense, this is feasible, even if difficult,” he said.

Momodu argued that no southern candidate—whether former President Goodluck Jonathan or ex-Anambra governor Peter Obi—could pose a serious challenge to Tinubu if they contest independently.

“I do not see any Southern candidate giving Tinubu any tough challenge. Not former President Jonathan. Not former Governor Peter Obi. If they run as individual candidates, they will fail spectacularly,” he said.

He urged opposition parties to form a broad coalition similar to the 2015 alliance that produced the APC, adding that they must be willing to “play the ethnic and religious cards” to stand a real chance.

“If the opposition is serious and determined, it must first unite and pick a formidable Northern Muslim candidate with a popular Southern Christian running mate against Tinubu’s likely Muslim-Muslim ticket,” Momodu advised.