Momodu to opposition: Play ethnic, religious cards to defeat Tinubu

Veteran journalist and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dele Momodu, has urged Nigeria’s opposition parties to form a united front and strategically play the “ethnic and religious cards” to compete with President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Momodu made the remarks in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, while reacting to the recent wave of defections destabilising the PDP. Notably, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah recently decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has reportedly resigned.

According to the Ovation magazine publisher, the APC has now fully consolidated power, with both the executive and legislative branches firmly under its control.

“Nigeria has comfortably, voluntarily, and predictably cruised, senselessly, into a one-party state. Both the executive and the legislative arms finally crossed the Rubicon yesterday under the grip of the ruling party, APC,” Momodu wrote.

Despite what he described as an alarming slide into a de facto one-party state, Momodu insisted the opposition still has a viable path—but only if it unites and plays to the country’s regional and religious dynamics.

“The opposition has only one option left in order to be competitive. Since Tinubu has already locked down the South of Nigeria, the opposition must work speedily to lock down the North. With common sense, this is feasible, even if difficult,” he stated.

Momodu dismissed the prospects of any Southern candidate—including former President Goodluck Jonathan or Labour Party’s Peter Obi, being able to mount a serious challenge to Tinubu if they run independently in 2027.

“I do not see any Southern candidate giving Tinubu any tough challenge. Not former President Jonathan. Not former Governor Peter Obi. If they run as independent candidates, they will fail spectacularly.”

He advised the opposition to replicate the kind of coalition that birthed the APC in 2015, suggesting a ticket featuring a formidable Northern Muslim presidential candidate paired with a popular Southern Christian running mate.

“If the opposition is serious and determined to do whatever it takes, it must first unite and decide to play the ethnic and religious cards too,” he said. “Opposition must pick a formidable Northern Muslim candidate with a very popular Southern Christian running mate against Tinubu’s likely Muslim/Muslim ticket.”

Concluding, Momodu stressed that “the game is not over” but warned that only swift, strategic, and united action can offer the opposition a fighting chance in the next general election.