Former PDP chieftain and Ovation Magazine publisher, Dele Momodu, has raised alarm over what he described as Nigeria’s “senseless cruise into a one-party state,” following the latest defections of opposition figures to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to the defections of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Momodu said the APC has completely tightened its grip on both the executive and legislative arms of government.
“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,” he wrote on his X handle Wednesday.
Momodu, however, argued that the opposition still has a fighting chance — but only through unity, strategy, and a calculated play of ethnic and religious balance.
“The opposition has only one option left in order to be competitive since Tinubu has already locked down the South of Nigeria, seemingly, opposition must work speedily to lock down the North. With commonsense, this is feasible, even if difficult.”
According to him, no Southern candidate, including former President Goodluck Jonathan or Labour Party’s Peter Obi, can defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027 if they contest separately.
“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,” he warned.
Momodu urged the opposition to replicate the 2015 APC-style coalition, stressing that only a Northern Muslim presidential candidate paired with a Southern Christian running mate could mount a formidable challenge.
“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,” he stated.
Rounding off his post, the veteran journalist insisted that “the game is not over,” but urged opposition leaders to act with urgency and courage.
“It requires candidates of absolute necessity,” he added.
