Publisher of Ovation magazine and African Democratic Congress chieftain Dele Momodu urged the ADC to zone its presidential ticket to the north ahead of the 2027 general elections. He spoke during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday.
Momodu argued that such zoning would serve as a strategic move to strengthen the party’s chances against President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress.
When asked about his choice for the ticket, Dele Momodu named former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. “My preference is Atiku,” he stated. He added that Atiku Abubakar remained the most experienced and nationally formidable contender in the race. Momodu highlighted Atiku Abubakar’s background in mathematics, long political exposure, and proven national appeal.
Dele Momodu specifically pointed to the north-east as the ideal zone. He explained that the region had not produced a president since the time of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa. “Zoning the ADC presidential ticket to the north-east, Atiku’s region, would be strategic,” he said. He stressed that the party must adopt a northern strategy to exploit growing dissatisfaction in key northern political blocs.
Momodu rejected strict North-South power rotation claims. “Let us stop promoting this falsehood. It is a fallacy,” he declared. He noted that the Nigerian Constitution did not bar any region or individual from contesting. Nevertheless, he maintained that strategic zoning to the north would give the ADC a stronger position.
Dele Momodu warned against internal aggression over the ticket. He insisted that no single person owned the ADC. “ADC will determine who gets the ticket based on strategy, not at the dictate of one man or woman,” he said.
He added that credible contenders like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi already existed in the party. Momodu believed a well-planned northern approach combined with southern alliances could defeat the ruling party in 2027.
