Veteran journalist and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dele Momodu, has warned that neither former President Goodluck Jonathan nor former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi stands a chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election if they run independently.

Speaking in a post shared on his 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Momodu urged Nigeria’s opposition parties to unite and form a strategic alliance ahead of 2027, stressing that a divided opposition would only strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, the recent defections of PDP governors, including Enugu’s Peter Mbah and Bayelsa’s Douye Diri, have further consolidated APC’s dominance across both the executive and legislative arms of government.

“Nigeria has comfortably, voluntarily, and predictably cruised senselessly into a one-party state,” Momodu wrote. “Both the executive and the legislative arms finally crossed the Rubicon yesterday under the grip of the ruling party, APC.”

Despite the growing power of the ruling party, Momodu said the opposition still has a “narrow chance” — but only through a united front capable of mobilizing nationwide support.

“The opposition has only one option left to remain competitive since Tinubu has already locked down the South of Nigeria. Logically, the opposition must now work swiftly to consolidate the North. It’s feasible, even if difficult,” he said.

Momodu ruled out the possibility of any southern politician defeating Tinubu in a solo race, insisting that both Jonathan and Obi would “fail spectacularly” if they contest without a strong coalition.

“I do not see any Southern candidate giving Tinubu a tough challenge — not former President Jonathan, not former Governor Peter Obi. If they run independently, they will fail spectacularly,” he stated.

He further proposed that the opposition should replicate the 2015-style coalition that birthed the APC, suggesting that a Northern Muslim presidential candidate paired with a Southern Christian running mate would be the most viable ticket to counter Tinubu’s influence.

“If the opposition is serious, it must unite and play the same ethnic and religious cards the ruling party uses. The ticket should feature a formidable Northern Muslim and a popular Southern Christian as running mate,” Momodu advised.

While emphasizing that all hope is not lost, he warned that success would depend on strategic unity and decisive action.

“The game is not over,” he concluded. “But it requires candidates of absolute necessity.”