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Former presidential candidate and prominent PDP chieftain, Dele Momodu, has emphasized that only a strong and unified Northern candidate can pose a serious challenge to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, April 30, Momodu offered a sharp critique of the current political landscape in Nigeria, describing it as increasingly driven by self-interest rather than national interest.
“Nigerian politics today is an optical illusion—much like magic, the more you look, the less you see,” he said, lamenting the erosion of ideology and principle in favor of personal gain and political opportunism.
Momodu argued that the North, feeling sidelined under Tinubu’s administration, could become the epicenter of political opposition in the next election cycle. He cited growing dissatisfaction over perceived favoritism toward Southern allies, noting that such sentiments could galvanize voters in the North.
“I believe Tinubu can only be effectively countered by another strong candidate from the North,” he stated.
“Any Southerner who thinks they can challenge Tinubu is likely wasting their time. The PDP—or any coalition—must recognise that power dynamics require strategic thinking.”
Momodu suggested that building a broad, inclusive coalition is essential for defeating the incumbent president. He mentioned figures like Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso as potential game-changers who could help unite the opposition and appeal to the Northern electorate.
Highlighting internal divisions within the PDP, Momodu revealed that the party is split between those loyal to its current structure and those involved in coalition talks. He shared a recent conversation with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who advised against abandoning the PDP but acknowledged the need for reforms and expansion.
“If the PDP resists change and remains stagnant, what options are left? The party might need to consider a complete overhaul—or face extinction,” Momodu warned.
“Just like the UPN, NPN, and AD, many powerful parties have disappeared over time. The PDP could face a similar fate if it fails to evolve.”
Momodu also addressed speculations about Atiku Abubakar potentially defecting to the APC, dismissing the idea as unrealistic.
“The claim that Atiku will join the APC is simply implausible. I can guarantee that,” he said, adding that the ruling party itself suffers from internal disunity and lacks the discipline needed to govern effectively.
In a final note of criticism, he questioned the impact of so-called political alignment with the “mainstream,” pointing out that despite years of promises, meaningful development remains elusive in many regions.
