Dele Momodu Defends Atiku, Condemns Bullying

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Media entrepreneur and publisher Dele Momodu has condemned what he described as the continued bullying of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar by some political actors.

In a post on X on Monday, Momodu expressed disappointment over the treatment of Atiku, noting his pivotal role in giving Peter Obi the vice-presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 presidential election.

“It is extremely sad that a man who gave Peter Obi his first Vice Presidential ticket is being bullied in this manner,” Momodu wrote, attributing the attacks largely to what he called fake Obidients and agent provocateurs.

During a subsequent X Spaces discussion, Momodu addressed lingering controversies from the 2023 presidential election, including claims that Peter Obi was denied victory.

He challenged assertions that Obi was rigged out, pointing out that the former Anambra governor recorded near-total support in his strongholds, yet the overall national outcome reflected broader realities.

Momodu stressed the difficulty of building a truly national political coalition in Nigeria’s diverse landscape.

“Northerners will not die for any southern candidate,” he remarked, a statement that drew sharp criticism from some participants who saw it as undermining Obi’s cross-regional appeal.

Defending Atiku’s credentials, Momodu highlighted the former Vice President’s second-place finish in the 2023 poll and his unwavering focus throughout the campaign.

He described Atiku as a determined politician who has earned respect for his consistency, regardless of differing opinions about his style.

Momodu hinted that the coming election cycle may represent Atiku’s final major push for the presidency, suggesting that failure to secure the party ticket could signal the end of his active quest.

The publisher called for restraint in political conversations, warning against abusive language and online hostility targeting Atiku or even President Bola Tinubu.

He urged supporters to maintain civility, stressing that such conduct reflects poorly on those involved and that the party would ultimately rally behind whoever emerges as the candidate.

Momodu positioned himself as steadfast in his support for Atiku, describing his loyalty as that of “a last man standing.”

As Nigeria’s opposition continues to navigate internal divisions ahead of future polls, Momodu’s intervention underscores the need for unity and maturity within political ranks to strengthen democratic contestation.