Dele Momodu Declares Support for Atiku Abubakar, Says Only Northern Candidate Can Challenge Tinubu in 2027

 

Veteran journalist and media mogul, Dele Momodu, has publicly thrown his weight behind former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as his preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Momodu explained that his support for Atiku stems from a combination of political reality, strategic calculation, and personal conviction about what true leadership represents.

Momodu, who has maintained a consistent presence in Nigeria’s political commentary space, argued that Atiku remains the most formidable challenger to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to him, no other southern politician currently has the political capital or nationwide reach to mount a serious bid for the presidency. He noted that while figures like Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi are respectable in their own rights, the political arithmetic ahead of 2027 favors a northern candidate.

He emphasized that Nigeria's current political atmosphere is driven by numbers, and any realistic coalition must consider demographic and regional dynamics. “This game is a game of number,” he said pointedly, stressing that the northern electorate holds significant sway in determining the outcome of presidential elections.

Momodu criticized those who have launched what he described as a “campaign of calumny” against Atiku, asserting that such efforts only underscore the threat the former vice president poses to the ruling establishment. He also referenced political strategist and commentator Daniel Bwala, suggesting that even those previously aligned with the Tinubu camp are now reconsidering Atiku’s political relevance.

Reflecting on Atiku’s consistency and political journey, Momodu recalled how Atiku had been politically active since 1993 when he stepped down during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries in favor of the late Chief Moshood Abiola. He noted that Atiku has pursued his presidential ambition for decades without the benefit of gubernatorial backing or political godfathers financing his campaigns. “Since then the man has been pursuing his ambition without having any state governor to give him money,” he noted.

For Momodu, Atiku’s personal track record speaks volumes. He highlighted the former vice president’s investments in education and agriculture as clear indicators of his commitment to national development. “He’s been running his business, investing in education, investing in agriculture,” Momodu noted, adding that these are the values Nigeria needs in a modern leader.

Momodu also contrasted Atiku’s approach to politics with that of others, saying that one would not find thugs or street violence associated with the politician’s residence. He pointed to this as further proof of Atiku’s civility and leadership maturity.

While expressing his admiration for other aspirants, Momodu made it clear that his advocacy is not a dismissal of their capabilities. He extended a respectful nod to Peter Obi, describing him as a “very good friend” and one of the few individuals he believes should help lead a united political front. His call, however, was for all contenders to submit themselves to a democratic process.

The veteran journalist urged all factions, including the ‘Obidients’, supporters of Amaechi, and Atiku’s base, to allow for a fair and transparent primary process. “Let them all go to the fields,” he said, encouraging a political contest based on merit rather than imposition.

He warned against any attempt to foist a single candidate on the emerging opposition coalition without due process. For him, the strength of any coalition lies in its internal democracy and the ability of its various members to accept collective outcomes.

Momodu concluded on a hopeful note, expressing optimism about the readiness of the opposition coalition. He believes that a united and democratically organized platform stands the best chance of dethroning the current administration in 2027. He reiterated that his preference for Atiku is a personal choice and should not be misconstrued as antagonism towards other contenders.

Ultimately, Dele Momodu’s remarks signal the early stages of what promises to be a heated and deeply strategic political contest. As discussions continue among opposition forces about how best to challenge the incumbent, one thing is clear: the road to 2027 is already taking shape.