Veteran journalist defends Atiku’s integrity in coalition race
Popular veteran journalist and media mogul, Dele Momodu, has come to the defense of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding allegations of bribery ahead of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries.
Speaking during a recent interview on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Momodu dismissed claims that Atiku intended to use foreign currency to buy over delegates to secure the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election. He maintained that the former Vice President is committed to a transparent process and does not possess “stashed dollars” for the purpose of subverting the will of the party’s members.
The allegations of bribery surfaced following Atiku‘s formal entry into the ADC in late 2025, a move that has reshaped the opposition landscape in Nigeria. Critics and rival factions within the party had suggested that the billionaire politician might leverage his deep pockets to dominate the upcoming primaries. However, Momodu argued that such narratives are being peddled by those intimidated by Atiku’s vast political experience and his status as a leading figure in the newly formed opposition coalition.
The media icon further stated that the era of “monetized politics” is gradually being rejected by Nigerians who are eager for genuine leadership and economic recovery. He emphasized that the ADC was chosen as a coalition platform specifically because of its reputation for internal democracy and transparency. Momodu’s defense of Atiku coincides with a period of intense lobbying and alliance-building within the party, which now boasts high-profile members such as Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai.
Competition intensifies for ADC presidential ticket
The African Democratic Congress has become the primary battleground for the opposition’s attempt to unseat the ruling APC in 2027. With the official registration of Atiku Abubakar in his hometown of Jada in November 2025, the race for the party’s presidential ticket has reached a fever pitch. Despite calls for a consensus candidate, Atiku has insisted on competitive primaries, making it clear that he will not step aside for other prominent aspirants like Peter Obi.
Dele Momodu observed that the competition within the ADC is a healthy development for Nigerian democracy. He noted that the presence of multiple heavyweights ensures that only the most prepared and popular candidate will emerge to challenge President Bola Tinubu. The journalist urged party delegates to ignore rumors of financial inducement and instead focus on the vision and track record of the various aspirants as they prepare for the national convention.
While some analysts have expressed concerns about a potential clash of egos within the ADC, Momodu remains optimistic that the party will stay united. He pointed out that all major players in the coalition understand the high stakes involved and are committed to the collective goal of national “rescue.” The focus, according to him, should be on crafting a formidable manifesto that addresses the pressing issues of inflation, security, and unemployment facing the country.
Strategic shift in Nigeria’s political landscape
The migration of top politicians from the PDP and Labour Party to the ADC signifies a major realignment in Nigerian politics. For Atiku Abubakar, the move to the ADC is seen as a strategic step to lead a broad-based front against the incumbency power of the APC. Dele Momodu highlighted that the former Vice President’s entrance has already given the ADC a significant boost in terms of national visibility and organizational strength.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the ADC is being positioned as the “Third Force” that can capitalize on public dissatisfaction with the current economic climate. The party has begun massive membership drives across the country to consolidate its grassroots support. Momodu concluded by stating that the focus on “dollar bribes” is a distraction from the real work of building a credible alternative government that can deliver tangible results to the Nigerian people.
The coming months will be critical for the ADC as it navigates the complexities of hosting a fair and inclusive primary. The ability of the party to manage the ambitions of its high-profile members will determine its success in the general elections. For now, the defense put up by figures like Dele Momodu serves to bolster the image of the party as a disciplined organization focused on merit rather than financial influence.
