Veteran journalist and publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has projected that Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election will likely be dominated by a contest between President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing both men as the leading figures in the country’s evolving political landscape.
Momodu shared the view in a statement titled “Time for National Reconciliation, Re-Orientation & Reconstruction,” which he posted on his X account on Monday.
According to him, the race for Aso Rock is gradually taking shape around the incumbent president and Atiku, who is expected to emerge as the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“The 2027 Presidential election is expected to be a major fight between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his biggest challenger, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. It promises to be the battle of the Titans,” Momodu stated.
While acknowledging that another political movement outside the major blocs could emerge before the election, he expressed doubt that such a platform would possess the political machinery, reach and influence required to defeat either of the two leading contenders.
“A third force, hopefully, may show up, like it did in 2023, but not with enough fire power and tenacity to upstage, and obliterate, the two elder statesmen,” he added.
His comments have sparked discussions within political circles, particularly because they appear to diminish the prospects of other opposition figures, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi. Obi, who secured a significant following during the 2023 presidential election, remains one of the most visible opposition voices in the country.
Beyond his electoral assessment, Momodu called on the ADC to present itself as a bridge between Nigeria’s established political class and a new generation of leaders. He argued that the party should embrace a combination of experienced politicians, professionals and technocrats capable of fostering national unity and rebuilding public confidence in governance.
The media entrepreneur also expressed concern over increasing ethnic and religious divisions in the country, warning that such tensions could intensify as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum.
“The North and the South will reunite in a game of ethnic and religious rivalries… The present combustive tensions, and absolute chaos, cannot be allowed to continue. It will consume all of us,” he warned.
Momodu further lamented what he described as a decline in ideological politics and statesmanship, urging political leaders to prioritise national reconciliation and value-based leadership.
He said Nigeria’s democratic journey would benefit from a return to the principles championed by some of the country’s foremost political figures, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello and Obafemi Awolowo.
He maintained that genuine political reform, unity and responsible leadership would be crucial to addressing the country’s challenges and strengthening its democratic future.