A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bashorun Dele Momodu, has described former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the only formidable northern presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election, expressing confidence in his ability to attract substantial support across the country.
Momodu made the assertion on Wednesday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, where he discussed the influence of northern voters and the political calculations shaping the next presidential election.
According to him, although the North remains a decisive factor in Nigeria’s presidential elections, its voting strength alone cannot determine the outcome. He argued that Atiku’s popularity beyond the region gives him an advantage over other northern aspirants.
“There is only one man who is very popular in the north and also extremely popular in the south. There is no formidable candidate from the north this time, except Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. So, that gives us a lot of comfort,” Momodu said.
He compared Atiku’s political standing with that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he said enjoyed considerable popularity in the North but encountered greater challenges securing support in the South.
The ADC chieftain argued that Atiku’s longstanding relationships across the country could help him overcome the regional limitations that affected previous northern presidential candidates.
He noted that Atiku spent a significant part of his adult life in Lagos as a consular officer, a period during which he developed relationships with people from different parts of the country, particularly the South-East.
Momodu also cited Atiku’s marriage to Titi Abubakar, whom he described as a prominent Ijesha woman, and his history of choosing southern running mates as factors that could strengthen his appeal among southern voters.
“Atiku Abubakar is very lucky that many of his friends are from the south,” he said, adding that he did not believe there was “any northerner more popular in the South than Atiku Abubakar.”
On the electoral strength of the North, Momodu pointed out that the region comprises 19 of Nigeria’s 36 states, in addition to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
He expressed optimism that Atiku could consolidate support in the North while competing effectively for votes in the South, where President Bola Tinubu and other influential political figures are expected to maintain significant support bases.
“So, the stage is set for a very powerful fight, and if we now go back to the north, the north has 19 states out of 36 states, and then you add Abuja to it, so it’s looking like a celebration day, by the grace of Almighty God, for Atiku Abubakar,” Momodu said.
