Veteran journalist and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has stated that only a northern candidate can unseat President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Tinubu, widely expected to seek a second term, faces strong support from political figures in the South, making the race more complicated for southern aspirants.

In an interview with Arise News, Momodu emphasized that no southern politician stands a real chance of defeating the incumbent president. "I have a theory. And the theory is simple: Tinubu can only be countered this time by a northerner. Any southerner telling you, ‘I want to contest against Tinubu,’ is going to waste his time," he argued.

Rising Discontent in the North

Momodu also pointed out growing frustration within the North regarding Tinubu’s governance, particularly his appointments. Many northerners feel alienated by the president’s perceived favoritism towards his inner circle rather than providing fair representation across regions. "Most of them [Tinubu’s appointees] are cronies who have crept into our politics. The North is naturally aggrieved," he noted. This dissatisfaction has been building since President Buhari’s exit, with many in the North believing their support for Tinubu has not been reciprocated.

Tinubu’s Strong Support in the South

Despite these grievances in the North, Momodu acknowledged that President Tinubu has firm backing in the South, where political figures are largely supporting his re-election bid. "Tinubu doesn’t want to leave the position. He wants a second time. Southerners are saying, ‘We want him there,’" Momodu remarked. However, he raised concerns about the framing of Tinubu’s re-election as a "southern project," warning that it could provoke resistance from other regions, especially the North. He referenced the historical mistake made during the June 12 crisis, when the mandate of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola became associated with the Yoruba ethnic group, leading to widespread regional opposition. "It’s the same error of judgment I see Tinubu’s people committing right now," he cautioned.

Opposition Strategy for 2027

As the political landscape moves toward 2027, Momodu speculated that the PDP, or any opposition coalition, would likely rally behind a northern candidate to effectively challenge Tinubu. He explained that the opposition’s path to power would follow Isaac Newton’s theory: "actions and reactions are always equal and opposite," meaning the opposition will have to come from the opposite direction to Tinubu’s base.

Rejecting Southern Candidates

While expressing admiration for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Momodu dismissed the notion that any Yoruba candidate, including Makinde, could succeed in challenging Tinubu. "I hear some Yoruba person who says he wants to contest. He’s a guy I like, Governor Seyi Makinde, but I know that at the end of the day, that cannot happen," he stated.

As the 2027 election draws near, Momodu’s comments underscore the significant role regional politics and strategic alliances will play in shaping the race. The question of who will rise to challenge President Tinubu remains central to Nigeria's political discourse.