₦airaland Forum

Atiku cannot be bullied out of 2027 presidential race — Dele Momodu


Bashorun Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has defended Atiku Abubakar’s right to contest the 2027 presidential election, insisting that no political pressure or coordinated campaign can force the former vice president out of the race.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Momodu dismissed growing calls for Atiku to step aside for Peter Obi or support a possible Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso alliance, arguing that elections are not won through emotions, regional sentiments, or social media popularity.

According to him, many Nigerians wrongly assume that combining Peter Obi and Kwankwaso on one ticket would automatically guarantee victory in 2027, but politics requires numbers, strategy, and structure—not internet excitement.

“Elections don’t run on emotion. It’s a shame that people don’t read. We just go on the internet and shout: ‘Once we have Obi and Kwankwaso, it is over.’ Nothing is over,” he said.

Momodu described the pressure on Atiku to withdraw from the race as a deliberate and well-organized political campaign, stressing that the former PDP presidential candidate understands the political structure he has built over the years and has every constitutional right to remain in the contest.

“This campaign against Atiku is well-coordinated. He’s not a foolish old man; he knows that what he has built delicately, meticulously, and tenaciously, he will see it to the end. That is his business. You cannot bully him out of a contest,” he stated.

He added that unless Atiku acts against the Nigerian Constitution, there is no valid reason to demand that he should step aside.

Questioning why the former vice president is constantly being asked to step down for Obi, Momodu recalled that Atiku had already selected Obi as his running mate in the 2019 presidential election, yet the ticket still failed to secure victory.

“Why can’t Obi be his Vice President? He brought Obi as VP running mate in 2019; they did not win. So, why the hurry that it must be only Obi?” he asked.

Momodu also warned against treating Obi as Nigeria’s only political saviour, saying the country has many competent leaders and no single politician should be elevated above all others.

He described suggestions that Atiku should abandon his ambition for Obi as disrespectful, insisting that support for any candidate remains a personal political choice.

“I will support my Atiku. You are disrespecting people by even suggesting that he should step down for Obi; it’s an insult,” he stressed.

He further cautioned opposition supporters against underestimating President Bola Tinubu, noting that the incumbent remains politically strong, particularly in the North, and still controls significant electoral influence and institutional power.

According to Momodu, Tinubu’s northern support base played a major role in his 2023 victory and could remain a major factor in 2027.

He concluded by saying Nigerian presidential elections are driven by hard political calculations and voter arithmetic, not emotional support or online popularity.

Kanwulia:
Must Obi deputize Atiku?
Atiku has every right to contest. BUT NOT WITH OBI.

Baba Atiku do not step down. Obi has moved on. You and your minions should move on please!

Not by force abeg.

Amaechi or Okonkwo dey available.
Thank you!😊

kodded:
but the north will always choose tinubu over obi because with Tinubu they will need to wait for 4 years before power return to them meanwhile with obi it will be anothet 8 years

Dont you obidient guys understand that politic is a game of intrest and not emotions?

Nwaokunkpara:
Dele why can't you just be Atikus Running mate?

kodded:
but the north will always choose tinubu over obi because with Tinubu they will need to wait for 4 years before power return to them meanwhile with obi it will be anothet 8 years

Dont you obidient guys understand that politic is a game of intrest and not emotions?

Javid13:
Wetin special about Atiku...V.P wey him be since 2007 him no want person to rest. His mates former VPs dey enjoy holiday. Maybe na too much money dey worry Atiku.

tonesky:
This Dele is living in illusion. Why must Atiku context when it's the turn of the South? Let him context at 80 and naturally hand over power to Tinubu. Atiku is a good man, but he can't win during the turn of the South. Dele, let it enter your head very well. Nigerians has resolved that instead of Atiku, let Tinubu continue.

kodded:
but the north will always choose tinubu over obi because with Tinubu they will need to wait for 4 years before power return to them meanwhile with obi it will be anothet 8 years

Dont you obidient guys understand that politic is a game of intrest and not emotions?

Kanwulia:
Must Obi deputize Atiku?
Atiku has every right to contest. BUT NOT WITH OBI.

Baba Atiku do not step down. Obi has moved on. You and your minions should move on please!

Not by force abeg.

Amaechi or Okonkwo dey available.
Thank you!😊

Bobloco:
To them, choosing Tinubu over Obi makes no sense when Atiku is on the ballot.

Why wait until 2031 for power to return to the North when 2027 is within reach?

Don’t stress yourself over who they’ll choose. Go to the North West and North East and read the room ..... Tinubu isn’t their choice.

Kanwulia:
You dreaming? Obi is a ONE TERM PRESIDENT LIKE THE CONSTITUTION STATES.

Which North? The North APC and Tinubu cannot campaign in? THIS SAME NORTH THAT IS 100% OK?😆😆😆😆😆


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy-piGtDnws?si=qKwZ7fOprsDn3K3t

The same North with EIGHT STATES Tinubu’s APC wants to suspend campaign and election activities due to “insecurity”?

The same North that has REJECTED Tinubu in body and spirit?

I ask again: WHICH NORTH?

On what grounds is Tinubu going to be accepted with 100% FAILURE PERFORMANCE?

Tinubu is a career CRIMINAL and CHEAT and can ONLY WIN WITH RIGGING! He did not win in 2023, and can NEVER WIN IN 2027. . . . Except by INEC AND JUDICIAL manipulations.

Sorry! The North is OK!👌 👍🏽👌👍🏽👌👍🏽

kodded:
Stop lying Which constitution said that obi can not go for two terms?

kodded:
but the north will always choose tinubu over obi because with Tinubu they will need to wait for 4 years before power return to them meanwhile with obi it will be anothet 8 years

Dont you obidient guys understand that politic is a game of intrest and not emotions?