Political analyst and academic, Udenta Udenta, has stirred fresh debate ahead of the 2027 general elections after stating that a strong southern candidate paired with a credible northern running mate could defeat President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Udenta argued that the opposition stands a real chance if it presents a balanced and united ticket across Nigeria’s regions.
He specifically mentioned that a southern figure like Peter Obi, when paired with a strong northern counterpart, could significantly alter the outcome of the next presidential election.
According to him, political visibility in the South currently favours Obi, while the North remains the deciding factor for any winning coalition.
Udenta stressed that the success of such a strategy would depend on how well the opposition manages regional alliances and voter sentiment.
He also linked the discussion to Nigeria’s current economic situation, arguing that hardship and rising cost of living may strongly influence voter decisions in 2027.
In his remarks, he suggested that public dissatisfaction with the current economic reality could outweigh political rhetoric and statistics during elections.
The analyst further claimed that voter comparisons between past and present administrations would play a major role in shaping political outcomes.
His comments come as opposition figures continue consultations around possible coalition arrangements ahead of 2027, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) reportedly emerging as one of the platforms under consideration.
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to consolidate support across states as political preparations intensify nationwide.
