- Udenta Udenta stated that a Peter Obi–northern alliance could defeat Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections
- He identified Peter Obi as the leading opposition figure in southern Nigeria
- He argued that worsening economic conditions had influenced public sentiment against the current administration
A leading political scientist and public affairs analyst, Udenta Udenta, has asserted that a presidential ticket pairing a strong southern candidate such as Peter Obi with a credible northern running mate could defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Udenta made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he discussed the evolving dynamics within Nigeria’s opposition landscape. According to him, the present political climate provides an opportunity for a broad-based coalition that reflects regional balance and national appeal.
He argued that Obi remains the most prominent opposition figure in southern Nigeria and would naturally emerge as a central figure in any such alliance. However, he emphasised that the choice of a northern counterpart would be decisive in determining the opposition’s electoral success.
“Any pairing today — a Peter Obi in the South and anyone else in the North — will defeat Bola Tinubu in 2027,” Udenta said.
He further noted that while Obi’s position in the South appears clear, opposition stakeholders would need to carefully deliberate on selecting a suitable northern running mate capable of consolidating support across the region.
Beyond electoral strategy, Udenta pointed to worsening economic conditions as a potential factor that could shape voter behaviour ahead of the next general election. He suggested that public dissatisfaction with current living standards may pose a significant challenge to the ruling administration.
Reflecting on the state of the nation, he remarked that comparisons with the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari were increasingly being made by citizens, often unfavourably for the current government.
“For Nigerians to long for the Buhari presidency is indicative of the failures of the Tinubu-led government,” he said, adding that voters are more concerned with tangible living conditions than abstract economic indicators.
Udenta stressed that issues such as rising costs of living and economic hardship would likely outweigh official claims of macroeconomic stability in influencing electoral decisions.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions among opposition groups about forming a united front to challenge the ruling party in 2027, with coalition-building and strategic alliances expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the contest.