Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dele Momodu, has emphasized the need for the opposition to field a strong northern candidate if it hopes to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

In an appearance on Arise TV, Momodu analyzed the current political landscape, noting that the northern region feels sidelined under Tinubu’s administration due to perceived favoritism toward the south. He believes that this growing discontent could lead to increased northern voter turnout, making it critical for the opposition to present a popular candidate from the North.

“It is crucial for the opposition to field a strong candidate from the North to unite forces and challenge Tinubu effectively,” Momodu stated. “Any Southerner hoping to unseat Tinubu is likely wasting their time. The PDP, or any coalition, must understand that power dynamics demand strategic thinking.”

Momodu also pointed out the strategic importance of the northern region in presidential elections and lamented the shift from principled politics to opportunism. He suggested that uniting prominent northern figures, like Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, could enhance the opposition’s chances.

The PDP, according to Momodu, is currently divided, with half of its members exploring coalitions, while the other half remains loyal to the party. He warned that this internal split was causing confusion and undermining the party’s effectiveness. “I recently spoke with the Bauchi governor, who believes we should strengthen the PDP rather than abandon it. But if the PDP refuses to evolve, what choices do we have? A party collapse might become inevitable,” he added.

Momodu further warned that the PDP risks extinction if it fails to implement meaningful reforms, drawing parallels to defunct parties like the UPN, NPN, and AD.

Addressing rumors about Atiku Abubakar’s potential defection to the APC, Momodu dismissed them as “baseless,” adding that the APC was struggling with its own internal issues and lacked the discipline to resolve the country’s critical challenges.

Momodu also questioned the tangible impact of PDP’s decades-long leadership, particularly in Delta State, where he suggested that despite efforts to engage with the grassroots, results have fallen short.