Nigerian media executive and politician Dele Momodu has declared his support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, framing the opposition figure as a focal point of apprehension for Nigeria’s ruling class. Momodu, publisher of Ovation International magazine and a former presidential aspirant, revealed his political shift during a Thursday interview on Channels Television, citing strategic calculations and Abubakar’s perceived influence as central to his decision.
The high-profile defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) comes amid escalating tensions within Nigerian opposition circles. Momodu argued that Abubakar’s enduring relevance in national politics stems from his capacity to unsettle the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “Everybody is afraid of Atiku, and that is exactly why I support him,” Momodu stated. “The fear the ruling party has for him shows he remains the most formidable opposition figure today.”
Highlighting Abubakar’s contentious relationship with political rivals, Momodu interpreted recent critiques of the former vice president as evidence of his clout. “When everyone is trying to discredit or silence a man, it means he’s the one they truly fear,” he said, dismissing claims that Abubakar’s successive electoral defeats had diminished his standing. The media mogul framed his endorsement as a pragmatic choice, rooted in Nigeria’s political dynamics rather than personal allegiance.
Momodu’s own political trajectory adds context to his remarks. After an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2011 under the National Conscience Party, he later contested the PDP primaries in 2022 before his recent move to the ADC. His cross-party maneuvers reflect broader realignments within Nigeria’s opposition, where fractures have persisted since the PDP’s loss in the 2023 general elections.
Analysts note that Abubakar, Nigeria’s presidential runner-up in 2019 and 2023, remains a polarizing yet pivotal figure. Critics argue his repeated candidacies underscore a lack of viable alternatives within opposition ranks, while supporters view him as a resilient counterweight to the APC. Momodu’s remarks amplify ongoing debates about opposition cohesion and electoral strategy ahead of the 2027 polls, with Nigeria’s economic challenges and security crises likely to dominate the political agenda.
As realignments continue, the visibility of figures like Momodu—a media personality with transnational connections—may sharpen scrutiny of Nigeria’s opposition dynamics. His emphasis on Abubakar’s perceived “fear factor” underscores the high-stakes nature of the country’s political contests, where perception often rivals policy in shaping electoral outcomes.
