A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has said President Bola Tinubu may face a major electoral challenge in 2027 if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerges on a joint ticket with a southern political figure such as Peter Obi or Rotimi Amaechi.

Momodu, who spoke during Sunday Politics on Channels Television, argued that a north-south coalition led by Atiku could significantly weaken the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the next presidential election.

According to him, such an alliance would pose a serious threat to Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“I believe if there is a combination of Atiku with Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, or any credible southern candidate, Tinubu will face a difficult contest,” he said.

Momodu also defended Atiku’s continued participation in presidential politics despite previous unsuccessful attempts, noting that the former vice president remains a strong force in opposition politics.

He said Atiku’s political acceptability appears to be growing as more opposition figures rally around him.

“In my view, many who were previously indifferent to Atiku are beginning to see him differently because political realities are changing. He has remained consistent over the years,” Momodu added.

The ADC stalwart further criticised what he described as attempts to weaken opposition parties through defections, warning that such a trend could have consequences for democratic development in Nigeria.

He said the continued movement of politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC raises concerns about the health of multi-party democracy.

Meanwhile, Atiku, Obi and Amaechi — who contested separately in the 2023 presidential election — are now working within the ADC framework to build a broader opposition coalition ahead of 2027.

Other prominent figures linked to the emerging alliance include David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and Nasir El-Rufai.

The ADC is expected to hold its national convention on April 14, 2026, following ward and state congresses scheduled to commence on April 7.