Dele Momodu Backs Atiku as ADC Presidential Candidate, Says He Poses Serious Threat to Tinubu

Veteran journalist Dele Momodu has revealed why he prefers former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to emerge as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television, Momodu said Atiku has both the numbers and political strength to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

“I said the best choice would be my candidate. Which is what I expect the Obidients to say about Peter Obi, or Amaechi’s supporters to say about him. There’s nothing wrong with that,” Momodu said.

Emphasizing electoral strength, he added:
“I’m looking at the numbers. This game is a game of numbers. And the people who are most aggrieved today are from the northern part of Nigeria.”

He also pointed out that despite the push from some quarters for power to remain in the South, there is no strong Southern candidate currently positioned to take on Tinubu.

“They all know very well there is no Southerner today who can challenge Tinubu. The only one who might have tried is Wike, and he’s already backing Tinubu.”

Momodu said the intense criticism and attacks on Atiku are signs that he remains a formidable contender:
“The moment you see people waging a campaign of calumny against Atiku, you must know he poses a great threat. Even my brother, Daniel Bwala, who’s about to come on now, recently appealed to Atiku to join their team.”

He praised Atiku’s consistency, self-funding, and business acumen:
“Since 1993, when he stepped down for his abducted father, who sadly died on this day in 1998, Atiku has pursued his ambition without any state governor funding him. He has run his business, invested in education and agriculture. That’s what a leader should look like.”

Momodu also highlighted Atiku’s non-violent politics:
“In Nigeria, you will never find a thug in front of Atiku’s house. For me, that says a lot.”

He emphasized that his support for Atiku doesn’t mean opposition to others:
“I’ve never asked anyone not to support Peter Obi. Obi is a very good friend of mine. If you ask me, he’s one of those I believe should lead the coalition.”

Momodu called for a democratic process in selecting a consensus candidate for the opposition coalition:
“As a Democrat, I hope the process remains democratic so no one feels someone was forced on them. Let everyone go to the field—let the Obidients campaign for Obi, those for Atiku and Amaechi do the same. That’s how it should be.”

He concluded by expressing confidence that the opposition coalition is “fully ready and prepared” for the challenge ahead.