Veteran journalist and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government is increasingly fearful of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the rising strength of Nigeria’s opposition coalition.
Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television, Momodu said the recent wave of personal attacks and propaganda against Atiku signifies the ruling party’s anxiety over his growing political influence.
“The moment you see people launching a campaign of calumny against Atiku, you know they feel threatened by him,” Momodu stated.
He recalled Atiku’s longstanding political journey, highlighting his consistency and personal investment in his ambitions without undue reliance on state machinery. “Since 1993 when he stepped down for my adopted father, Atiku has been pursuing his ambition without any state governor funding him. He runs his own businesses and has invested heavily in education and agriculture,” he noted.
Momodu praised Atiku’s leadership style, pointing out his distaste for political thuggery and electoral malpractice. “You will never find a thug in front of Atiku’s house. Atiku will never call anyone to influence INEC on his behalf. These are the qualities I admire in him,” he added.
Turning to the opposition coalition, Momodu expressed optimism about its potential, describing it as a people-driven movement, unlike the APC’s formation in 2013.
“This coalition is fully ready and prepared. Unlike the APC, which started with just a few people merging parties, what we have now is a tsunami. I’m very proud of it,” he said.
Momodu also declared his confidence in former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, as a credible leader for the coalition, while calling for a democratic process in choosing its flagbearer.
“I’ve never told anyone not to support Obi—he’s my very good friend. If you ask me today, I’ll say Obi should lead the coalition. But as a democrat, I believe they should go to the field. Let Obidients campaign for Obi, Atikulates for Atiku, and Amaechis for Amaechi. That’s how democracy should work,” he emphasized.
Momodu’s remarks come amid growing talks of an opposition mega-coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi seen as potential unifying forces.
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