A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has predicted that Peter Obi will defeat Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo politically in the 2027 presidential election, insisting that the former governor remains a powerful political force in the South-East.
Momodu also warned that President Bola Tinubu could face a difficult re-election battle if Obi maintains his popularity across the South-East and parts of the South-South.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, Momodu expressed confidence in Obi’s political influence, declaring that he was willing to stake his life on the former governor’s ability to outperform Soludo in Anambra State.
“I can tell you something. Soludo is the same. I can bet my life on it that Peter Obi will humiliate and disgrace Soludo in Anambra state. I have no question about that,” Momodu said.
The ADC chieftain described Obi as a political figure with exceptional popularity in the South-East and South-South, arguing that his influence in both regions could significantly affect Tinubu’s chances of securing another four-year term.
“Peter Obi is a rock star. Where he comes from, especially in the South-East and the South-South,” he stated.
Momodu maintained that Obi’s popularity should not be underestimated, particularly as opposition parties prepare to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.
Despite his confidence in Obi’s electoral strength, Momodu clarified that his preferred presidential candidate remains former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is also seeking to challenge Tinubu under the ADC.
He explained that supporting Atiku did not prevent him from recognising Obi’s political influence or acknowledging the importance of cooperation among opposition leaders.
“I’m supporting Atiku, but I will be very happy when people say, ‘Oh, if you people don’t come together, you are going to lose election,’” he said.
His comments come amid growing calls for opposition politicians to form a united front against the APC ahead of the next presidential election.
Momodu argued that the political situation ahead of 2027 could be different from what Nigerians witnessed during the 2023 election, particularly because of Obi’s continued popularity in the southern regions.
He predicted that Obi could deliver a major electoral setback to Tinubu and his supporters in the South-East and some parts of the South-South.
“The scenario is different this time. Peter Obi will humiliate Tinubu and all his supporters in the South-East and some parts of the South-South. And that’s dangerous for Tinubu,” Momodu declared.
According to him, Tinubu would need to secure substantial support across the three geopolitical zones in southern Nigeria to strengthen his chances of winning another presidential election.
He explained that even with strong support in the South, the President would still face the challenge of securing enough votes in northern Nigeria.
Momodu also recalled the role played by former President Muhammadu Buhari in Tinubu’s victory during the 2023 presidential election, suggesting that the political circumstances could be different in 2027.
“For Tinubu to win, he needs to lock down all the three regions in the South, and he now has to go and struggle in the North, where, number one, he was supported last time by President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.
Tinubu emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election, defeating Atiku Abubakar, who contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Peter Obi, who ran on the Labour Party platform.
Atiku finished second in the election, while Obi came third despite recording significant support across the South-East and parts of the South-South.
Tinubu’s victory was largely supported by votes secured across different geopolitical zones, giving him the nationwide electoral advantage needed to emerge as President.
With preparations for the 2027 election gathering momentum, political discussions have increasingly focused on whether opposition leaders can overcome their differences and work together to challenge the APC.
Momodu’s latest remarks highlight the importance of regional political influence, opposition cooperation and voter mobilisation as major factors that could shape the outcome of the next presidential election.
Although he has publicly declared his support for Atiku, Momodu believes Obi remains a formidable political figure whose popularity could complicate Tinubu’s path to re-election.
