Former presidential candidate and media entrepreneur Dele Momodu has dismissed speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would step down from the 2027 presidential race in favour of ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s flag bearer in the 2023 election, formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in November 2025, a move widely regarded as a calculated bid for the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 polls.
Obi, who placed third in the 2023 election behind Atiku and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, also defected from the Labour Party to the ADC last week.
Political observers view Obi’s defection as part of a broader opposition realignment aimed at mounting a stronger challenge to Tinubu’s re-election bid.
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The development fuelled speculation that Obi could accept a vice-presidential slot on an Atiku-led ticket, a claim that drew ridicule from some leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
However, prominent Obi supporters, including political economist Pat Utomi and activist Aisha Yesufu, have warned they would withdraw their support if Obi accepts a deputy position.
Momodu also dismissed reports suggesting Atiku might step aside for Obi under an alleged arrangement for Obi to serve a single four-year term before handing over power in 2031.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Momodu said Atiku had no justification to abandon his presidential ambition.
“Many people have asked me to advise former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw voluntarily from the 2027 race,” he said.
“When I ask why, they say he is too old—not that he is less healthy than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Out of unsubstantiated malice and prejudice, Tinubu can and should contest, but Atiku cannot and should not contest.”
Momodu said efforts to undermine Atiku’s ambition had become a recurring narrative, arguing that the former vice president’s experience and track record distinguished him from many of his contemporaries.
“He is certainly not a saint, but he stands out by not being a parasite on the state since leaving office in 2007,” he added.
