A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has stated that the 2027 presidential election has become an ethnic contest.

In a post on X, he said, "2027 Presidential election has patently, and obviously, become an ethnic contest and the votes for opposition can only come from the opposite direction where you have ATIKU, KWANKWASO, TAMBUWAL, EL RUFAI and even EMIR SANUSI (if he decides to step down from royalty to politics)."

In an earlier post, Momodu lamented that Nigeria senselessly transformed into a one-party state under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)

"In reality, Nigeria has comfortably, voluntarily, and predictably cruised, senselessly, into a one-party state... Both the Executive and the Legislative arms finally crossed the Rubicon yesterday, under the grip of the ruling party, APC... But I still choose to be a chronic optimist. Even at this stage... Several scenarios may still play out. The opposition has only one option left in order to be competitive."

With the recent defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC by Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu, Momodu believes that President Bola Tinubu has secured the Southern part of the country.

"Since TINUBU has already locked down the South of Nigeria, seemingly, opposition must work speedily to lock down the North. With common sense, this is feasible, even if difficult. I do not see any Southern candidate giving TINUBU any tough challenge. Not former President JONATHAN. Not former Governor PETER OBI. If they run, looking more like independent candidates, they will fail spectacularly.

"But if opposition is serious and determined to do whatever it takes, it must first unite and decide to play the ethnic and religious cards too. Opposition must pick a formidable Northern Muslim candidate with a very popular Southern Christian running mate against TINUBU's likely Muslim/Muslim ticket.

"The North has a parade of experienced politicians. Since PDP, NNPP and Labour have practically become orphans, they will be wise and smart to join forces with ADC and rekindle the magic that gave birth to APC in 2015.

"The game is not over but it requires candidates of absolute NECESSITY."

ASA