(Dele Momodu. Photo Credit: The Sun Nigeria)
Prominent ADC chieftain Bashorun Dele Momodu has come out strongly in defence of Atiku Abubakar’s decision to contest the 2027 presidential election, asserting that no amount of political pressure or organised opposition can compel the former vice president to abandon his ambition.
According to reports, on Tuesday, Momodu pushed back against mounting calls for Atiku to step down in favour of Peter Obi or throw his weight behind a potential alliance between Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
He argued that elections are won through concrete numbers, careful strategy, and solid political structure
not through emotions, regional sentiments, or the noise generated on social media platforms.
He cautioned against the widespread assumption that pairing Peter Obi and Kwankwaso on a single ticket would automatically translate into victory in 2027, describing such thinking as overly simplistic and detached from the realities of Nigerian politics.
Momodu further characterised the push for Atiku to step aside as a deliberate and well-orchestrated political agenda, stressing that the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate is fully aware of the formidable political structure he has painstakingly built over the years, and possesses every constitutional right to remain in the race.
He described Atiku as a seasoned and calculating politician who will not be intimidated or bullied into withdrawing from a contest he has invested so much in building toward.
Momodu concluded by stating that unless Atiku violates the Nigerian Constitution, there exists no legitimate justification for anyone to demand his withdrawal from the 2027 presidential race.
Momodu also questioned the logic behind the persistent calls for Atiku to give way to Peter Obi, pointing out that Atiku had in fact chosen Obi as his running mate during the 2019 presidential election, yet the joint ticket still fell short of victory.
He therefore saw no compelling reason why Obi should now be regarded as the one who must lead, suggesting that Obi could just as well serve as Atiku’s deputy again.
He also cautioned against the tendency to portray Obi as Nigeria’s sole political messiah, maintaining that the country is home to many capable and qualified leaders, and that no single politician should be placed on an untouchable pedestal above all others.
Momodu described the expectation that Atiku should surrender his ambition for Obi’s benefit as deeply disrespectful, reaffirming that his own support for Atiku is a personal political conviction that he stands by firmly.
Turning his attention to the incumbent, Momodu warned opposition figures not to make the mistake of underrating President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a politically formidable force who continues to wield considerable electoral influence and institutional power, particularly across the northern part of the country.
He noted that Tinubu’s strong northern support base was a decisive factor in his 2023 election victory and is likely to remain a significant variable heading into 2027.
Momodu wrapped up his remarks by reiterating that winning the Nigerian presidency is ultimately a matter of hard political calculations and voter arithmetic, and that online enthusiasm and emotional sentiment alone have never been, and will never be, enough to secure electoral victory.
