In a frank and wide-ranging interview on Arise Television, media mogul and former presidential candidate Dele Momodu issued a cautionary note to aspirants eyeing Nigeria’s 2027 presidency: underestimate President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike at your own peril.
Momodu underscored the formidable political machinery backing Tinubu—one that, even before his presidency, wielded significant influence. Now, he says, that influence has grown even more potent with Wike’s strategic alliance.
“Tinubu, who is already president—when he wasn’t, we still faced a lot of fire,” Momodu said. “Now, with Tinubu and Wike on the same side, you need to be battle-ready. You’ll need your best players on the pitch. 2027 will be like the World Cup.”
PDP Governors Criticized Over Coalition Rejection
Momodu didn’t hold back in criticizing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum for distancing themselves from a proposed opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. He warned that their refusal to collaborate could inadvertently fortify Tinubu’s grip on power.
The proposed alliance includes Atiku, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and other key political figures. Despite the weight of such a coalition, PDP governors, following a meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, declared their non-alignment.
“Opposition leaders are more determined than ever to unite,” Momodu explained. “Atiku can’t do it alone. Obi can’t. Kwankwaso can’t. Nobody can—unless they come together.”
Citing his own role in supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 and 2015, Momodu said it’s time the opposition gave the ruling party a taste of its own medicine. “They need to build a big tent that includes everyone—even disaffected members of the APC,” he added.
“A Bully Only Respects a Bully”
Delving into Nigeria’s political history, Momodu drew lessons from the past, particularly the defiance of Tinubu’s Lagos State government during President Obasanjo’s era.
“Lagos survived the federal onslaught because they stood their ground. A bully only respects a bully,” he noted.
He lamented what he described as a climate of fear within opposition circles. “Everyone is already panicking—‘Oh, EFCC will come for me. They’ll arrest me.’ We’re behaving like chickens.”
A Call for Unity, Courage, and Conviction
Momodu ended with a rallying cry, urging opposition politicians to resist the lure of political survivalism and remain steadfast in their ideals.
“Power is never handed over on a platter,” he said. “Everyone admires Mandela and the Mau Mau, but we forget that their victories came at great cost. If you’re tempted to defect for short-term gain, you might as well jump into the Atlantic Ocean.”
His message was clear: only a united, resolute front can challenge the entrenched power of Tinubu and Wike—and possibly win.
