A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, or ADC, Dele Momodu, has warned that multiple presidential aspirants from the South could weaken the region’s chances ahead of the 2027 general election.

Momodu specifically mentioned Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan, and Seyi Makinde, saying their ambitions may ultimately backfire if they all remain in the race.

Jonathan is reportedly preparing to contest the 2027 presidency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, while Makinde has declared interest in running under the African Peoples Movement, APM.

Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, recently exited the ADC coalition and joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC. He was screened on Tuesday by the party’s presidential screening committee.

The latest political developments suggest that at least four major southern politicians, including President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, could battle for the presidency in 2027.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has maintained that he does not believe in zoning and may emerge as the major northern contender in the election.

Momodu, who is known to support Atiku, argued that the North could have an advantage if it presents a single candidate while southern politicians remain divided.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Momodu said, “If the North fields one candidate, nobody can defeat them. I’m sure about that.

“Everybody shouting today that they want to be president is from the South. If Peter Obi, Jonathan, and Seyi Makinde continue in the race, trust me, it is going to backfire for the South.”