Dare Babalola
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has suggested that key figures who played roles in the emergence of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 could align with the party to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Arise News Morning Show on Wednesday, Momodu pointed to a group of prominent politicians—now associated with the ADC—as potential drivers of a strong opposition campaign.
He named former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal as part of that bloc.
According to him, the ADC already has within its fold experienced presidential contenders and does not need to “reinvent the wheel” in preparing for the next election cycle. He emphasised that electoral victory requires more than popularity or ideas, noting that strategy and political alliances remain crucial.
Reflecting on the 2015 elections that brought Buhari to power, Momodu said lessons from that period could guide the ADC’s approach in 2027.
He added that President Tinubu remains a formidable political force, warning that defeating him would require a carefully coordinated effort rather than simply presenting a candidate.
Momodu also drew comparisons with recent political developments in the United States, arguing that financial strength and public sentiment alone do not always guarantee electoral success.
Declaring his personal preference, he backed Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s potential presidential candidate, citing both experience and regional considerations. He suggested that the party should focus on areas where dissatisfaction with the ruling party is strongest.
He further claimed that some political actors who supported Tinubu’s rise to power are now disenchanted and could be open to new alliances, a development he believes the ADC can leverage ahead of the 2027 polls.
