…warns party risks collapse without urgent reforms
Former presidential candidate and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has called on the opposition to prioritise the emergence of a formidable Northern candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, Momodu painted a bleak picture of Nigeria’s political landscape, lamenting the erosion of principled politics and the rise of personal ambition over national interest.
“Nigerian politics has become an optical illusion—much like magic, the more you look, the less you see,” he said, criticising what he described as a system devoid of ideological foundations.
Reflecting on his own political experiences, Momodu highlighted the difficulty of aligning with parties that reflect true democratic values, especially for fringe candidates. He stressed the strategic importance of the North in determining electoral outcomes, asserting that widespread discontent in the region over Tinubu’s perceived Southern bias could be harnessed by the opposition.
“I believe Tinubu can only be effectively countered by another strong candidate from the North,” he said. “Any Southerner who thinks they can challenge him is likely wasting their time. Power dynamics require strategic thinking.”
Momodu also underscored the need for coalition politics, pointing to influential Northern figures like Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso as potential allies in mounting a credible opposition. He warned, however, that internal divisions within the PDP are threatening its survival.
“We are witnessing a split within the PDP,” he noted. “Half of its members are involved in coalition talks, while the other half remain loyal to the party. This creates confusion. If the PDP resists change and chooses to remain stagnant, then a total collapse must be considered.”
He cited the disappearance of once-dominant parties like the UPN, NPN, and AD as cautionary tales, stressing that the PDP could meet a similar fate without urgent reforms.
While defending former Vice President Atiku Abubakar against rumours of defection, Momodu maintained that the party’s focus must shift to broader strategy and unity.
“The claim that Atiku will join the APC is simply implausible,” he said. “The APC itself is riddled with internal problems and lacks the discipline or cohesion to tackle Nigeria’s critical challenges.”
Momodu’s remarks come as political alignments ahead of 2027 continue to take shape, with increasing pressure on the PDP to reposition itself or risk becoming irrelevant in the face of a dominant ruling party.
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