The 2027 Nigerian Presidential Election: Why Dele Momodu Believes Only a Coalition Can Unseat Tinubu
As Nigeria’s political landscape heats up ahead of the 2027 presidential election, discussions and predictions about the possible outcomes are dominating public discourse. Among the prominent voices weighing in is Dele Momodu, a respected journalist and political commentator, who recently asserted that only a coalition of opposition forces can realistically defeat incumbent President Bola Tinubu.
The Political Context for 2027
President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023 under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), faces a complex political environment as he seeks re-election. Despite his victory in 2023, Tinubu’s mandate was narrow, and his administration has been marked by economic challenges, including a severe cost-of-living crisis that has affected many Nigerians. Additionally, his government has been criticized for perceived sectional appointments and failure to broaden its political base beyond the South West region, his home turf.
The ruling APC has officially endorsed Tinubu for a second term, signaling strong internal support despite some discontent within the party ranks[5][7]. However, the opposition remains fragmented, with major parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) struggling to unite their efforts. Each party is grappling with internal conflicts and personal ambitions of their leaders, which complicates the formation of a unified front against Tinubu.
Dele Momodu’s Take: Coalition as the Only Viable Path
Dele Momodu’s assertion that only a coalition can unseat Tinubu reflects a widely held view among political analysts. The opposition’s inability to present a single, strong candidate or platform has been a significant factor in their past electoral failures. Momodu suggests that a coalition would consolidate votes across regional, ethnic, and party lines, creating a formidable electoral machine capable of challenging the incumbent’s hold on power.
This perspective aligns with ongoing talks among opposition leaders to form alliances or even merge parties to increase their chances in 2027. However, these negotiations are often hampered by competing ambitions and mistrust among key figures, such as Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (LP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP).
The success of any coalition will depend on overcoming these internal divisions and presenting a united, credible alternative to the electorate.
Challenges Facing the Opposition
The opposition’s struggle is compounded by Tinubu’s strategic moves to consolidate power, including courting defectors from rival parties and leveraging his party’s well-established grassroots structures.
Moreover, the APC’s narrative of economic reforms and improved investor confidence, despite public dissatisfaction, provides Tinubu with a platform to campaign on continuity and stability.
On the other hand, opposition parties face the risk of alienating their base if they fail to resolve leadership disputes and agree on a common candidate. The Labour Party’s Peter Obi has shown reluctance to engage fully in merger talks, emphasizing national unity over power struggles[3]. Meanwhile, the PDP is grappling with internal conflicts that threaten its cohesion.
What Lies Ahead?
As the 2027 election approaches, political activities are expected to intensify, with both the ruling party and opposition preparing for a fierce contest. The outcome will likely hinge on whether the opposition can overcome its fragmentation and build a coalition that resonates with Nigerians’ desire for change.
Dele Momodu’s call for a coalition underscores the critical need for unity among opposition forces if they are to mount a credible challenge to President Tinubu’s re-election bid. Without such a coalition, the incumbent’s advantage in party machinery and political influence may prove insurmountable.
