2027: Momodu opposes talk of ethnic presidency

Veteran journalist and politician, Dele Momodu, has dismissed suggestions that Nigeria’s presidency in 2027 should be limited to a particular region, describing such thinking as “stupid” and divisive.

Momodu made the remarks while reacting to the growing political debates on zoning and ethnic balancing ahead of the upcoming general elections.

He insisted that the presidency should not be determined by regional sentiment but by competence, political strategy and national consensus.

According to him, attempts to limit the office of president to the North or the South undermine Nigeria’s unity and democratic principles.

He said: “It is stupid to say that only a Southerner can be president in 2027.”

Momodu further argued that Nigeria’s political reality is more complex than ethnic calculations, pointing out that successful candidates often emerge through broad coalitions rather than regional rights.

He argued that political actors who rely solely on zoning sentiments risk weakening the opposition and strengthening the ruling party.

The former presidential aspirant also reiterated his long-held belief that opposition unity remains the key to defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, warning that division would only guarantee electoral failure.

Momodu has repeatedly argued that neither region holds an automatic advantage, saying electoral success depends on strategy, national appeal and building a coalition that overcomes divisions.

His comments added to ongoing national debates over zoning, rotation of power and whether Nigeria should continue to consider informal regional arrangements in choosing its leaders.

As the 2027 elections approach, political discussions over ethnicity, coalition agreements and candidate viability are expected to intensify further.