Dele Momodu To Southern Aspirants: Step Aside For Goodluck Jonathan Or Peter Obi

Veteran journalist Dele Momodu has cautioned opposition parties against relying on zoning arrangements ahead of the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Momodu argued that insisting on power rotation could ultimately strengthen the chances of President Bola Tinubu in the next election.

He advised opposition politicians to prioritise strategy and consensus-building over regional considerations if they truly intend to defeat the incumbent president.

According to Momodu, there is no constitutional basis for zoning, adding that opposition parties could weaken themselves politically if they continue to insist that power must remain in the South.

“Strategically, there is no basis for zoning. Anybody who wants to remove Tinubu will have to come from the opposite direction.

“If all of them are going to split themselves into pieces, and strategically, if they are serious now, they had better go and find an Atiku or a Tambuwal from the North, because that is the only place now that is free.

“There is no zoning in the Constitution of Nigeria, so let us stop distracting ourselves,” he said.

The media personality also argued that the North remains a powerful political bloc capable of determining the outcome of the election if united behind one candidate.

“If the North fields one candidate, nobody can defeat them. I am sure about that. Everybody who is shouting today that they want to be president is from the South,” he stated.

Momodu further urged southern presidential hopefuls, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, to hold discussions and possibly agree on a consensus candidate to avoid dividing southern votes.

“I would suggest that the southern candidates should meet urgently, if possible, and maybe they will withdraw for Jonathan or for Peter Obi.

“But if Peter Obi and Jonathan and Seyi Makinde decide to continue in the race, it is going to backfire for the South,” he added.

Momodu predicted that the 2027 presidential race would feature some of the country’s most influential political figures.

“The game ahead is going to be a game of the biggest boys. President Jonathan is formidable; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being the current president, is extraordinarily formidable; and then the combination of Peter Obi and Kwankwaso is also going to be formidable,” he said.

He described consensus-building as the wisest option for the opposition, stressing that there is little time to waste on divisive primary contests if they hope to present a serious challenge to Tinubu in 2027.