Renowned media mogul, publisher, and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has issued a passionate warning to politicians and presidential hopefuls eyeing the much-anticipated 2027 general elections in Nigeria. Speaking during a candid interview session on Arise Television, Momodu made it clear that anyone hoping to challenge the current political establishment must be fully prepared for what he described as an intense, no-holds-barred political showdown.
According to the Ovation Magazine publisher, the political terrain ahead of the 2027 presidential race will not be for the faint-hearted, especially with the formidable alliance between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. He described Tinubu as one of the most astute and powerful political figures in Nigeria’s recent history, whose influence continues to shape the country’s leadership dynamics.
“Tinubu, who is already president — even when he wasn’t president, we faced a lot of fire. Now that you have Tinubu and Wike on one side, it means you have to be battle-ready,” Momodu emphasized. “You need to assemble your best generals, gather your most reliable allies, sharpen your political weapons, and brace yourself for a clash that will test strength, courage, and strategy. 2027 is going to be like the World Cup, and you need your best players on the pitch.”
Speaking further, Momodu expressed concern about the recent decision by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum to reject a proposed opposition coalition. The coalition, envisioned by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, was designed to unify various political forces—including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and other prominent figures—into a formidable front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, following a crucial meeting in Ibadan, PDP governors opted out of the alliance, a decision that left Momodu visibly disappointed. He lamented that unless the opposition forces bury their differences and come together, the road to 2027 will remain a difficult and almost impossible one to navigate.
“The opposition leaders are very determined to work together this time around,” he said. “But the truth is that Atiku cannot do it alone, Peter Obi cannot do it alone, and Kwankwaso cannot do it alone. Whoever desires to run must understand that the only way to unseat the ruling establishment is to forge unity. We have to give the APC a taste of their own medicine. Back in 2014 and 2015, I was one of those who supported the APC. Now, it’s time to rally the opposition forces, including disgruntled members of the APC itself, and challenge this administration.”
Momodu used the opportunity to remind Nigerians of historical lessons, stating that the only way the Lagos State government under Tinubu survived relentless attacks from then-President Olusegun Obasanjo was by standing firm and resisting intimidation. He drew parallels between that era and the present political climate, warning against cowardice and hesitation.
“A bully only respects a bully,” he said pointedly. “You cannot be timid and expect to win. People need to stop panicking about EFCC arrests and political persecution. Every era in history that brought about real change was championed by men and women of courage.”
The media mogul expressed disappointment at the prevailing atmosphere of fear in the country’s political class. “Right now, everyone is behaving like chickens, running for cover. Politicians are scared stiff of what Tinubu and his allies might do next. But unless there’s a collective resolve to fight back, nothing will change,” he added.
He concluded his remarks with an impassioned appeal to opposition leaders, lawmakers, and political stakeholders to embrace unity and courage. “We all love to read about Nelson Mandela in South Africa, the Mau Mau struggle, or our own Nigerian nationalists who secured independence. But suddenly, everyone now wants to grab power without a fight, hoping it’ll be handed over to them on a platter of gold. That’s not how history works.”
“I can boldly tell you that any governor, senator, or House of Representatives member who thinks they can jump ship for personal gain might just end up at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. The only way to wrestle power in 2027 is to come together, confront the establishment, and fight as a united force,” Momodu advised.
His remarks have since stirred conversations online, as political observers, analysts, and citizens weigh in on the future of Nigeria’s democracy and the path ahead for the opposition.