Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar does not possess the financial resources needed to rival President Bola Tinubu in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election.
Momodu, who previously contested for the presidency, made the remark on Sunday while appearing on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.
During the interview, he expressed concern about what he described as Nigeria’s gradual slide toward a one-party system, comparing the current political climate to the period of military rule under former Head of State Sani Abacha.
Despite acknowledging the financial disparity between both political camps, Momodu said his backing of Atiku reflects his belief in the importance of sustaining a strong opposition in the country.
“I would say the current situation is even worse than what we experienced under Abacha. Many Nigerians are worried that the country is drifting into a one-party state,” he said.
According to him, the resources available to the President far outweigh those of the former vice president.
“Atiku does not have up to one per cent of Tinubu’s war chest. He simply doesn’t. Consider the financial influence Tinubu can command from Lagos State alone, not to mention the advantage that comes with being in power nationally. When someone holds such authority, virtually everything becomes accessible,” Momodu said.
The ADC stalwart also dismissed suggestions that he might betray Atiku, stressing that he has never held any secret meeting without the knowledge of the former vice president.
He added that, politically, he has had closer ties with Tinubu in the past than with Atiku, a situation that once led to suspicion about his loyalty.
“It would actually be easier for me to move toward Tinubu than toward Atiku because I have been far closer to Tinubu politically,” he said.
“Some people even warned Atiku about me, claiming I was Tinubu’s spy and that he should not trust me. But there is nothing to spy on. I have never attended any private meeting without Atiku being aware.”
Momodu maintained that his support for Atiku is driven by his conviction that Nigeria must maintain a viable opposition capable of challenging those in power.
“If I’m standing with Atiku, it should tell you that we genuinely care about the country. Democracy requires opposition parties and candidates. But what we are seeing now suggests that Tinubu wants to run against himself, and that makes no sense,” he said.
The Ovation magazine publisher also rejected claims that opposition figures are intimidated by the President, arguing instead that the administration is more worried about the reaction of Nigerians.
Responding to a question about whether politicians fear Tinubu, Momodu said, “It is actually Tinubu who is afraid of Nigerians. That is why they are putting together all kinds of strategies.”
He further criticised the government’s handling of economic challenges, saying many Nigerians are facing severe hardship while the leadership appears disconnected from the realities on the ground.
“Nigerians are going through serious suffering. Unfortunately, it seems the government is operating as if it is on a different planet, with its own sense of grandeur that does not reflect the reality people are facing,” he added.
Momodu’s comments come at a time when political alignments and discussions within opposition parties are intensifying as the country gradually moves toward the 2027 presidential election, with questions already being raised about the strength and unity of the opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress.
