Dele Momodu, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has publicly called on Bode George, a former top official of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to cease his criticism of Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambitions. Momodu’s appeal follows recent remarks by George, who accused Atiku of prioritizing personal ambition over national and party interests.
In a post on the social media platform X, Momodu stated that while George is free not to support Atiku, the former Vice President possesses an undeniable right to contest the presidency. He directly addressed George, writing, “Baba mi sir, you know I love and respect you a lot, kindly purge yourself of anti-Atiku sentiments. It is his right to contest, sir… Atiku has never bragged to anyone about his political dreams. Never.”
Momodu’s comments are a direct response to a video interview in which George sharply criticized Atiku. In that interview, George expressed pity for someone he described as excessively boastful. “Despite elder statesmen’s efforts to make peace reign, this person insists that it’s his ambition. He keeps insisting he would run, but is his ambition greater than that of Nigeria?” George said, referencing Atiku’s continued presidential bid.
The exchange highlights a fissure within Nigeria’s opposition landscape. Both Atiku and George were long-time senior members of the PDP before Atiku defected to the ADC ahead of the 2023 general election. George remained with the PDP, where he served as Deputy National Chairman. Atiku, who has been the party’s presidential candidate in previous elections, sought the ADC’s nomination for his latest presidential run.
Momodu’s intervention underscores the ADC’s support for Atiku’s candidacy and attempts to counter internal dissent from figures like George. The public disagreement reflects broader strategic tensions within the opposition camp as it prepares for future electoral contests. Atiku’s right to pursue the presidency, as affirmed by Momodu, remains a central point of contention among veteran politicians with shared histories but divergent current alliances. The significance of this dialogue lies in its demonstration of how personal and political histories continue to shape coalition-building and public messaging in Nigeria’s competitive multi-party system.
