Dele Momodu faults zoning debate ahead of 2027 presidential election

By Jude Opara

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has criticised the growing emphasis on zoning in Nigeria’s political space, saying many politicians now see it as the main qualification for winning presidential elections.
Momodu made the remarks during an appearance on Prime Time, a programme aired on Arise Television, monitored in Abuja.
The Ovation Magazine publisher argued that the zoning debate was diverting attention from the critical issues confronting the country, including governance and economic challenges.
According to him, politicians have turned zoning into a political strategy rather than focusing on competence and national development.
He also alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC ) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understand the importance of the zoning narrative to their electoral calculations ahead of the 2027 polls.
“Politicians now treat zoning as the only credential needed to win presidential elections,” Momodu said.
“It’s a distraction, and I can say it without any fear of contradiction, that it is not what we need at this time.”
He, however, acknowledged that supporters of zoning were entitled to their political preferences, noting that elections are ultimately determined by strategy and public support.