Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has sparked political speculation by claiming that key figures who helped bring the late former President Muhammadu Buhari to power in 2015 are now poised to support the ADC’s presidential ambitions in 2027.

In a Wednesday interview on Arise News Morning Show, Momodu identified these figures as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal—all described as members of the ADC.

Atiku as ADC’s Preferred Candidate

Momodu stated his preference for Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s presidential flagbearer, highlighting strategic considerations over mere popularity or campaign rhetoric.

Akahi News gathered that Momodu emphasised that winning an election requires more than “crowd or noise,” pointing instead to tactical deployment in areas of political grievance and historical electoral insight. Drawing parallels with the United States, he noted how Democrats replaced Joe Biden with Kamala Harris, yet she could not defeat Donald Trump, highlighting the limits of resources or rhetoric without strategy.

“We have in ADC today two of the leading presidential contestants in the last election, so you do not need to reinvent the wheel,” Momodu said. “To win an election is not just the crowd or the noise, not just the ideas or how brilliant you are. Go back to the drawing board and look at how Buhari captured power in 2015. I was a part of those who worked at that time; I wasn’t a member of APC.”

Strategic Deployment and Regional Politics

Momodu suggested that ADC should focus on regions where the APC has internal grievances, arguing that some of Buhari’s former allies feel sidelined in the current Tinubu administration.

Akahi News learnt that the strategy, according to Momodu, involves mobilising support in areas where former APC actors like El-Rufai, Malami, and others feel politically neglected. He added that Atiku, hailing from the North-East where the APC holds the vice presidency, would appeal to voters seeking first-time regional representation at the presidency.

This approach raises a philosophical reflection: in politics, is electoral victory achieved more by leveraging alliances and regional discontent, or through policy and ideological appeal alone?

Implications for Nigeria’s 2027 Race

Momodu’s statement positions ADC as a party seeking to capitalise on both internal APC tensions and historical electoral experience. By invoking the “Buhari 2015 gang,” he suggests that political expertise and insider knowledge may shape the 2027 contest.

Akahi News gathered that the comments are likely to fuel debates on coalition-building, party loyalty, and the influence of former political actors in shaping the outcome of future elections.

Yet, the broader question remains: can political strategists alone secure victory against a formidable incumbent like President Bola Tinubu, or does the electorate ultimately decide independent of past alliances?

Strategy, Alliances, and the Road Ahead

Dele Momodu’s revelations underscore the complex interplay of history, loyalty, and regional dynamics in Nigerian politics. Whether these former allies will materially support ADC or remain symbolic endorsements will shape discussions as parties prepare for the 2027 election.

In the end, one cannot help but ponder: in a democracy, do historical alliances determine the future, or is every election truly a fresh contest shaped by the people’s choice?

By Joseph Iyaji | https://akahinews.org
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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