A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has predicted that Peter Obi could defeat President Bola Tinubu in the South-East and parts of the South-South during the 2027 presidential election.
Momodu said Obi remained highly popular in the two geopolitical zones, warning that the former Anambra State governor could pose a significant challenge to Tinubu’s re-election bid if he maintained his political influence ahead of the polls.
He made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday while discussing the opposition’s prospects and the possibility of defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.
Momodu Says Obi Could Defeat Soludo in Anambra
Momodu expressed confidence in Obi’s popularity in Anambra State, insisting that the former governor could defeat his successor, Chukwuma Soludo, politically.
“I can tell you something. Soludo is the same. I can bet my life on it that Peter Obi will humiliate and disgrace Soludo in Anambra state. I have no question about that,” Momodu said.
He described Obi as a “rock star” in the South-East and South-South, arguing that his popularity in the regions could significantly influence the outcome of the next presidential election.
“Peter Obi is a rock star. Where he comes from, especially in the South-East and the South-South,” he said.
Obi attracted considerable support in both regions during the 2023 presidential election, establishing himself as a major political force despite finishing third nationally behind Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar.
Tinubu Could Face Electoral Challenge in Southern Nigeria
The ADC chieftain warned that Obi’s continued popularity could complicate Tinubu’s efforts to secure a second term, particularly if the president struggles to maintain strong support across southern Nigeria.
According to Momodu, Obi could significantly undermine the president’s electoral prospects in the South-East and some parts of the South-South.
“The scenario is different this time. Peter Obi will humiliate Tinubu and all his supporters in the South-East and some parts of the South-South. And that’s dangerous for Tinubu,” he said.
Momodu argued that Tinubu would need substantial electoral support across the three southern geopolitical zones while also competing for votes in the North to improve his chances of winning the 2027 election.
“For Tinubu to win, he needs to lock down all the three regions in the South, and he now has to go and struggle in the North, where, number one, he was supported last time by President Muhammadu Buhari,” he added.
His comments highlight the potential importance of regional voting patterns, opposition unity and candidate popularity in shaping the next presidential contest.
Momodu Backs Atiku Despite Calls for Opposition Unity
Despite his assessment of Obi’s electoral strength, Momodu reaffirmed his support for Atiku, who is also seeking to challenge Tinubu in 2027 under the ADC platform.
The former presidential aspirant said he would welcome efforts to bring opposition leaders together, acknowledging that cooperation among political parties and their leading figures could determine their chances against the APC.
“I’m supporting Atiku, but I will be very happy when people say, ‘Oh, if you people don’t come together, you are going to lose election,’” Momodu said.
His position comes amid continuing discussions about the possibility of a united opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The question of whether opposition leaders can agree on a common candidate or electoral strategy is expected to remain central to preparations for the polls.
What Happened in the 2023 Presidential Election?
Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election, defeating Atiku, who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Obi, who ran under the Labour Party.
Although Obi finished third in the overall result, he secured substantial support in the South-East and parts of the South-South, demonstrating his appeal among voters in those areas.
Tinubu, meanwhile, secured votes across several parts of the country to emerge victorious.
As the 2027 election approaches, the strength of Obi’s support base, Atiku’s political ambitions and the ability of opposition figures to coordinate their efforts could influence the contest.
However, Momodu’s remarks represent his political assessment of the likely race, and the eventual outcome will depend on the candidates, their parties, campaign strategies and voters’ decisions.
With Tinubu seeking another term and opposition figures weighing their options, the 2027 presidential election is shaping up to be a major test for Nigeria’s political parties and their ability to mobilise support across the country.