2027: Atiku ‘Smelling Like Roses’ in the North, Can Defeat Tinubu – ADC Chieftain

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has expressed confidence that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stands a strong chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Momodu made the remarks while speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. He said political dynamics in the northern region could favour the former vice president if he decides to contest again.

According to him, Atiku continues to enjoy significant political relevance in the North. He argued that the region has historically rallied behind candidates it strongly identifies with, noting that a similar pattern was seen during the rise of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Momodu said: “On who will be able to defeat Tinubu, I have always said it and it’s not a secret that today after Buhari in the North, they have a queuing system from analysis.

“From Atiku, even those who did not like Atiku before, he is beginning to smell like roses to them because the enemy of your enemy is your friend.

“So Atiku, if he runs, he has prepared forever just like Donald Trump prepared forever. They said Trump is old and like joke he is doing his second term now.

“Atiku started from 1993 when he stepped down for MKO Abiola and that’s where my fascination for him started from and he’s there waiting.

“His people will support him and defend their votes. Rigging is impossible when you talk about the overwhelming majority.”

The media entrepreneur and politician noted that Atiku’s long-standing ambition to become Nigeria’s president has kept him politically active for decades.

He recalled that the former vice president stepped down during the 1993 presidential race in support of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, an action he described as one of the defining moments of Atiku’s political journey.

Momodu also drew a comparison between Atiku’s persistence and the political career of former United States President Donald Trump, suggesting that long-term preparation often plays a role in political success.

Atiku Abubakar has contested for the presidency multiple times under different political platforms. He served as Nigeria’s vice president between 1999 and 2007 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

In recent elections, he has remained one of the most visible opposition figures challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).