Kayode Ogundamisi, former secretary general of Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), says President Bola Tinubu’s “formidable” political coalition may be insufficient to secure his re-election if Nigerians unite around their dissatisfaction with the prevailing economic conditions.

In an interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90Minutes Africa, Ogundamisi said Tinubu has demonstrated considerable political astuteness by recognising the declining support for his administration in parts of the north and rebuilding his political coalition across other regions.

“President Tinubu is a smart politician,” Ogundamisi said.

He said Tinubu had responded to the political situation by assembling a coalition involving the north-central, south-south, parts of the south-east, and north-east.

Ogundamisi acknowledged Tinubu’s ability to attract state governors and influential members of the political establishment as evidence of the strength of the president’s political machinery.

He added that, based purely on the president’s ability to consolidate the political class around his administration, some observers could conclude that he had already positioned himself strongly for the 2027 election.

“He has built his coalition among the political class by being able to poach almost all the governors,” the OPC’s former secretary general said.

“But he has failed to build a coalition among the Nigerian people.”

According to the political commentator, the distinction could ultimately determine the result of the 2027 poll.

He added that the scale of corruption under successive democratic governments was “unbelievable”, noting that it had become worse under the current administration.

Ogundamisi said the present government has developed a “scientific way of stealing”.

He cited the existence of multiple budgets running concurrently and the emergence of fake government agencies as evidence.

On the question of who should emerge as the principal challenger to Tinubu, Ogundamisi said Peter Obi, candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), is the clear preference.

“If you put Peter Obi side by side with President Tinubu in terms of their level of compassion, Peter Obi stands out,” he said.

“This is the time that Nigeria needs somebody who is compassionate to the people.”

He criticised the continued presidential ambition of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, noting that he should step aside in favour of Obi.

“I believe it makes more sense for a southerner to run against President Tinubu based on the principle of rotational presidency,” Ogundamisi added.

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