Dele Momodu Calls for Strategic Northern Focus in ADC's 2027 Election Bid
Prominent opposition leader and media entrepreneur Dele Momodu has issued a compelling call to action for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urging the party to adopt a clear, strategy-driven approach if it hopes to mount a serious challenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
The Formidable Challenge of Unseating Tinubu
During a recent television interview, Momodu emphasized that defeating President Tinubu would require far more than mere popularity or brilliant ideas. "What it takes to win an election is not just the crowd; it is not just the noise; it is not just your ideas; it is not how brilliant you are," Momodu stated bluntly. "Tinubu is so formidable that you are not just going to produce a candidate who can take him out. It doesn't work that way."
Drawing from his experience in previous election cycles, Momodu highlighted three critical factors that determine electoral outcomes: ethnicity, religion, and substantial financial resources. He recalled his involvement in the Buhari movement, noting that "the amount of money spent on monitoring every polling unit nationwide is what wins elections."
Time Pressure and Party Unity
Momodu issued a stark warning about the limited time available for opposition preparation. "Time is not on our side. We must come together immediately and make a decision. How? I don't know, but it must be done," he declared with urgency.
Regarding party leadership and candidate selection, Momodu insisted that no single individual should dominate the ADC's decision-making process. "There is no one in our party who can say he owns the party, not Atiku Abubakar, not Peter Obi; nobody can make such a claim," he asserted. "ADC will determine who gets the ticket based on strategy, not the dictate of one man or woman."
He pointed out that the party already possesses credible contenders with valuable experience, including former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. "You do not need to reinvent the wheel. You already have people who have gone through this process and understand the challenges," Momodu noted pragmatically.
Dismissing Zing Narratives and Advocating Northern Strategy
Momodu directly challenged the prevailing narrative about an unwritten North-South power rotation agreement in Nigerian politics. "Let us stop promoting this falsehood. There has never been a time when the North did eight years and the South automatically had to do eight years," he argued. "The constitution does not stop anyone from contesting."
Instead, he advised the ADC to concentrate its strategic efforts on northern Nigeria, where he identified significant political opportunities. "If I am to advise ADC, go to the North, where there is crisis and dissatisfaction. Those who worked for Tinubu are angry and feel abandoned. That is where the opportunity lies," Momodu recommended strategically.
The Imperative of Strategic Compromise
Momodu stressed the necessity of political compromise within opposition ranks, warning against fragmentation that could weaken their collective challenge. "There is no time to start building from scratch. Let those who are experienced take the lead, and others can be accommodated," he proposed. "That is the only way to face this kind of political structure."
He concluded with a strategic assessment of the opposition's position relative to the ruling party's advantages. "We must be technical about this game. You cannot compete with Tinubu in money or structure, so you must compete with strategy. Those who have ears, let them hear."
