A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu could lose the 2027 presidential election if the opposition presents a united ticket led by Atiku Abubakar and a prominent southern political figure.
Momodu made the remarks during an interview on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television, where he discussed the evolving political alliances ahead of the next general elections.
According to him, a coalition ticket that combines Atiku with influential southern politicians such as Peter Obi or Rotimi Amaechi could significantly challenge the electoral strength of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Momodu argued that the opposition needs a strategic alliance capable of attracting broad national support, particularly by bridging regional and political divides across the country.
“I believe if we have a combination of Atiku, maybe with Peter Obi, maybe with Rotimi Amaechi, or any other person that comes from the South, Tinubu will be gone,” he said.
He explained that such a partnership would not necessarily signal the end of the APC as a political party, but could weaken the political base and influence of the current administration if the opposition presents a unified front.
Momodu further noted that Atiku’s long-standing ambition for the presidency and his extensive political network across Nigeria position him as a formidable candidate should he emerge as the opposition flag bearer.
Drawing comparisons with global politics, he cited the example of Donald Trump in the United States, noting that persistence and political structure often play a decisive role in electoral success.
“From my analysis, Atiku Abubakar, even those who didn’t like Atiku before now he’s smelling like roses, because the enemy of your enemy is your friend,” Momodu said.
He added that in a competitive democracy, the existence of a strong opposition is essential, stressing that elections should involve credible alternatives rather than leaving the ruling party without serious challengers.
Momodu also expressed concern over what he described as the growing wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC since Tinubu assumed office.
According to him, the trend could weaken Nigeria’s democratic system if the opposition becomes significantly diminished.
He described the situation as “a sad day for democracy,” warning that it could become dangerous if the PDP is reduced to having only a handful of governors across the country.
In recent months, several political figures who contested the 2023 presidential election under different political parties have begun aligning within the ADC as part of a broader coalition aimed at challenging the APC in the 2027 polls.
Among the key figures associated with the coalition are Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, all of whom are widely considered potential presidential contenders under the ADC platform.
Other prominent political leaders reportedly involved in the alliance include former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The emerging alliance is seeking to build a united political front capable of mounting a strong challenge to the ruling party in the next general election.
As part of its preparations, the African Democratic Congress has scheduled its national convention for April 14, 2026.
The party is also expected to conduct ward and state congresses beginning on April 7, a process aimed at strengthening its internal structures and consolidating the coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
