Only a strong northern candidate can challenge Tinubu — Dele Momodu

Dele Momodu, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former presidential aspirant, has said that only a formidable candidate from Northern Nigeria can effectively challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Momodu emphasized the strategic importance of the North in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.

He argued that the region, which he claimed feels increasingly marginalized under Tinubu’s administration, holds the key to unseating the incumbent president.

“I believe Tinubu can only be effectively countered by another strong candidate from the North,” Momodu asserted. “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. They cannot expect success with a Southern candidate alone if they truly wish to contest Tinubu’s position.”

Describing Nigerian politics as an “optical illusion,” Momodu likened it to a magic trick—“the more you look, the less you see.”

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He warned that discontent and a sense of political exclusion in the North could become a powerful electoral weapon against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Momodu also called attention to the necessity of coalition-building ahead of the next presidential election, insisting that no single party could defeat Tinubu without a united front.

He cited influential Northern politicians such as Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as essential figures in forging a winning alliance.

“We need a grand coalition that includes credible Northern leaders,” he said. “Someone like Kwankwaso can galvanize votes and lead a strong campaign against Tinubu.”

His comments come amid growing political tension in the country, especially in Northern Nigeria. Recently, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to President Tinubu in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima, also signaled a political shift in the region.

Baba-Ahmed stated that the North would soon determine its future political direction and called on President Tinubu to consider stepping aside for a younger generation of leaders.

The remarks from both Momodu and Baba-Ahmed reflect a growing sentiment that the political tide may be turning ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly as questions about representation, governance, and generational leadership dominate national discourse.