A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has expressed confidence that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi would defeat Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo politically, citing Obi’s strong popularity across the South-East and parts of the South-South.
Momodu made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, and was monitored by our correspondent at Onitsha, while discussing the political landscape and the prospects of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to him, Obi retains considerable political influence in the South-East, which could pose a significant challenge to Soludo and other political figures in the region.
“I can tell you something. Soludo is the same. I can bet my life on it that Peter Obi will humiliate and disgrace Soludo in Anambra State. I have no question about that,” Momodu said.
Describing Obi as a political “rock star” in the South-East and South-South, the ADC chieftain maintained that the former Anambra governor continues to enjoy considerable support in the two regions.
“Peter Obi is a rock star. Where he comes from, especially in the South-East and the South-South,” he stated.
Momodu Backs Atiku, Calls for Opposition Unity
Despite expressing strong confidence in Obi’s political influence, Momodu reaffirmed his support for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is seeking the presidency in 2027 under the ADC platform.
He, however, stressed the need for opposition leaders to work together, warning that divisions among them could weaken their chances of defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Momodu said he would welcome any arrangement aimed at bringing opposition leaders together to improve their electoral prospects.
“I’m supporting Atiku, but I will be very happy when people say, ‘Oh, if you people don’t come together, you are going to lose election,’” he said.
Obi’s Popularity Could Challenge Tinubu’s Re-election Bid
Momodu also warned that Obi’s influence in the South-East and parts of the South-South could complicate President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to secure re-election in 2027.
He argued that Obi’s popularity in these areas could make it difficult for the APC to consolidate its support across the southern part of the country.
“The scenario is different this time. Peter Obi will humiliate Tinubu and all his supporters in the South-East and some parts of the South-South. And that’s dangerous for Tinubu,” Momodu stated.
He further argued that Tinubu would need to maintain strong support across the three southern geopolitical zones while also securing substantial votes in the North to improve his chances of winning the presidential election.
According to Momodu, the political calculations ahead of 2027 would be different from those of the 2023 presidential election, particularly regarding the distribution of votes across the country.
“For Tinubu to win, he needs to lock down all the three regions in the South, and he now has to go and struggle in the North, where, number one, he was supported last time by President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said.
In the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu emerged victorious, while Obi finished third behind Atiku, who contested under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Obi, however, recorded substantial support in the South-East and parts of the South-South, establishing himself as a major political force in the regions.
With the 2027 general election approaching, political observers expect opposition parties to face increasing pressure to build alliances and agree on strategies capable of challenging the APC.
Momodu’s comments have further highlighted the potential significance of Obi’s political influence, the contest for support in the southern states, and the need for opposition unity ahead of the next presidential election.
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