Dele Momodu defends Atiku’s presidential ambition, says 2027 fate lies in destiny

Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine and a key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has weighed in on the debate surrounding Atiku Abubakar’s potential presidential bid in 2027.

In an interview on Channels Television, Momodu responded to criticisms, particularly from former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, who suggested that Abubakar should step aside due to his age, as Nigerians increasingly seek younger leaders.

Atiku Abubakar, currently 77, would be 81 at the time of the next presidential election. He has run for the presidency six times, including in 2007, 2019, and 2023, sparking speculation that he may seek the PDP ticket once again in 2027.

Momodu, defending Abubakar, asserted that no one has the right to dictate how the former vice president should pursue his political ambitions.

He noted that critics, including those calling for younger candidates, failed to unite behind youthful alternatives in previous elections.

According to Momodu, Abubakar’s fate in the 2027 election will ultimately be determined by God and destiny.

“Why are they afraid of him?” Momodu asked. He also dismissed age as a barrier, citing examples of older leaders like U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, who have held office in their later years. “Age cannot be an automatic qualification or disqualification in politics,” he added.

Momodu argued that leadership should be judged by performance rather than age, questioning what younger politicians have achieved with the resources available to them.

“If Atiku decides to run, good luck to him. If he doesn’t, no problem. But no one should try to muzzle him,” he said.

When asked if Abubakar would be a threat to President Bola Tinubu in 2027, Momodu suggested that those criticizing Abubakar believe so, noting that if the former vice president can form a strong political coalition, he could be a formidable contender. “If the mood of the nation is overwhelmingly opposed to the current leader, Atiku stands a chance in 2027,” he concluded.

Background

Atiku Abubakar, a seasoned Nigerian politician and former vice president, has been a dominant figure in the country’s political landscape for decades. He has contested for the presidency six times, and although he has never won, his persistent ambition has made him a focal point in every electoral cycle. Abubakar served as vice president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007 and has since remained a prominent figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His most recent attempt at the presidency was in the 2023 election, where he ran against President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite his loss, there has been widespread speculation about his intention to run again in 2027, which would make him 81 years old at the time of the election. This has sparked debates around his age, with some critics, such as former Ekiti governor Ayodele Fayose, urging him to step aside in favor of younger candidates.

The 2023 election cycle saw a wave of support for younger politicians, including Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who gained substantial momentum among Nigeria’s youth. However, despite this generational shift in political support, some still view Abubakar as a significant political force capable of mounting a serious challenge in 2027, especially if he is able to consolidate a broad coalition.

In this context, Dele Momodu, a close ally of Abubakar and an influential figure in Nigerian media and politics, has spoken out in defense of Abubakar’s right to run for office. Momodu’s remarks come as part of a larger conversation about the role of older politicians in Nigeria’s future and the potential impact of age on leadership.