Former presidential aspirant and media entrepreneur, Chief Dele Momodu has warns opposition candidates in 2027 general elections to prepare for a political showdown with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister Nyesom Wike.
Momodu, who spoke during an interview on Arise Television, emphasized that Tinubu’s political dominance did not begin with his presidency and has now been reinforced by Wike’s strategic alignment.
“Tinubu, who is already president—even when he was not—we faced a lot of fire,” he said. “Now, when you have Tinubu and Wike on one side, it means you must be battle-ready. 2027 is going to be like the World Cup, and you need your best players.”
Momodu also condemned the stance of the PDP Governors’ Forum following their rejection of a proposed opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He expressed concern that the decision may weaken the opposition’s momentum and give President Tinubu an upper hand.
The alliance, which reportedly includes Atiku, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, was intended to unify the opposition ahead of 2027.
But after the governors’ meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, they declared their non-alignment with the coalition.
“Let’s face it—Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, or anyone else cannot defeat the APC alone. A unified front is the only way to challenge the ruling party just as they did in 2015,” Momodu stated.
“A Bully Only Respects a Bully”
Referencing political history, Momodu stressed that courage and unity are essential for survival in Nigerian politics.
“The only reason Lagos survived Obasanjo’s wrath during Tinubu’s governorship was because they stood firm. A bully only respects a bully,” he said, criticizing what he termed as fear among opposition figures.
“All of us are already behaving like chickens. The moment Tinubu’s name is mentioned, everyone starts panicking—‘They will use EFCC, they will arrest me.’”
Momodu urged political actors to show resolve and resist opportunistic defections.
“Power is not served on a platter. We all admire Mandela and the Mau Mau struggle, but we forget the sacrifices involved. Any governor, senator, or lawmaker tempted to defect may be jumping into the Atlantic Ocean,” he warned.
He concluded with a call for collaboration: “This battle is winnable—but only if we agree to work together.”