A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has predicted that the 2027 presidential election will be a difficult contest for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that the party's presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has a strong chance of emerging victorious.
Momodu made the remarks during an interview on Nevon Media with journalist Oseni Rufai, where he shared his assessment of the political landscape ahead of the next general election.
According to him, Atiku's chances of winning the presidency would largely depend on securing overwhelming support in the North while remaining competitive across the southern states.
“As I predicted, Atiku will win the majority of the North, and if he is able to compete favourably in the South, it will be over for President Tinubu and Peter Obi,” Momodu said.
He further argued that Atiku could comfortably meet the constitutional requirements for winning a presidential election.
“Atiku will secure at least 25 per cent of the votes in 26 states while also dominating the North, which is where the bulk of the votes are,” he added.
Momodu noted that under Nigeria's Constitution, a presidential candidate must not only score the highest number of votes but also secure at least 25 per cent of the votes cast in no fewer than two-thirds of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He maintained that the North remains a decisive voting bloc and suggested that the region had strategically positioned itself behind Atiku ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Once you get voluminous votes from the North, it will leave the South limping. That's why Tinubu is desperate to make sure that they delete some parties, especially because of Atiku,” he said.
He also claimed that there was no major northern political figure expected to challenge Atiku's influence in the region.
“Now, Kwankwaso is a running mate. The North will not play second fiddle, just like in the South they are blaming anybody who is competing against Tinubu as a traitor, the same way the North is treating anybody who does not support Atiku as a traitor. So, that's a different scenario from 2023,” Momodu stated.
The veteran publisher further expressed optimism that Atiku would also perform strongly in parts of the South, particularly Osun State.
“He will then navigate his way to the South. In the South, there is no way he will not compete well in Osun State. There is no way,” he said.
His comments come despite recent endorsements of President Tinubu by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
However, Momodu insisted that the outcome of any election would ultimately be determined by the people rather than political endorsements.
The comments add to the growing political conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as major political parties and influential figures continue to position themselves for what is expected to be another fiercely contested presidential race.
In the 2023 presidential election, President Bola Tinubu secured victory with about 37 per cent of the total votes cast, drawing significant support from the South-West and other parts of the country.