A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and close ally of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Dele Momodu, has ruled out speculation that Atiku may withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine, dismissed the rumours on Thursday, insisting that Atiku has no reason to step down despite growing talks of a possible opposition consensus ahead of the next general election.
Atiku, the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 poll, defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in November 2025, a move widely seen as positioning for the party’s ticket in 2027. Obi, who finished third in the 2023 election, also joined the ADC last week after leaving the Labour Party, fuelling speculation of a possible political alliance.
Speaking in Abuja, Momodu said pressure on Atiku to abandon his ambition was driven by “malice and prejudice,” particularly arguments centred on age.
“Several people have asked me to advise former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 race. When I ask why, they say he is too old,” Momodu said. “Not that he is less healthy than President Bola Tinubu. Tinubu can contest, but Atiku shouldn’t?”
He rejected claims that Obi could emerge as Atiku’s preferred successor or running mate, noting that prominent Obi supporters, including Prof. Pat Utomi and activist Aisha Yesufu, had publicly opposed such an arrangement.
The comments follow reports that Atiku might step aside for Obi under a purported agreement for a single-term presidency, with Atiku returning in 2031 — a claim Momodu described as unfounded.
Read also:
- 2027: No ADC Aspirant will step down, Atiku tells critics
- Bauchi Govt. officially hands over Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport to FG
- Nigeria in turmoil as Presidency fixates on Paris lunch photos, Atiku blasts Tinubu’s Aides
Meanwhile, former senator Shehu Sani added to the debate, warning Nigerians not to take politicians’ public positions at face value.
“When politicians say they will not withdraw or they will not accept being deputy, never think that is their final word,” Sani wrote on X. “They can change their minds by starting with, ‘In the national interest…’”
However, with Atiku, Obi and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi all reportedly eyeing the ADC’s presidential ticket, the party is expected to face a tightly contested primary later this year.
