Momodu to critics: Don’t rule out Atiku’s presidential ambitions in 2027

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, speculation surrounds former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s potential seventh presidential bid.

Dele Momodu, himself a former presidential aspirant, on Monday, shared his thoughts on Atiku’s future in politics, emphasizing that only God and destiny will determine his path.

Atiku, 77, has unsuccessfully vied for the presidency six times, starting with his 1993 run in the Social Democratic Party presidential primaries, where he lost to Moshood Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe. Concerns have been raised about his health and physical fitness, but Momodu believes age should not be a decisive factor in determining political eligibility.

“What has been the impact of these younger people who said they have been in politics?” Momodu questioned during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today. “Go and check their states, what have they done for the amount of money made available to them? Age cannot be an automatic qualification or disqualification in politics.”

Momodu drew parallels with Joe Biden’s presidency, noting that few expected him to succeed Barack Obama. “It is up to God and destiny,” he said. “I am a child of destiny, and that is why I have contentment. If Alhaji Atiku decides to run, good luck to him. If he doesn’t want to run, no problem.”

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When asked about Atiku’s potential threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, Momodu remained diplomatic. “I am sure they believe so. I know those who believe he is the only one right now. He will be a threat if he is able to galvanize a major political party.”

Momodu also reflected on the 2015 election, where Muhammadu Buhari was chosen as the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate due to his perceived ability to unite the north.

These comments come on the heels of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose’s call for Atiku to end his presidential ambitions due to his advanced age.

Atiku’s Presidential Bids: A Brief History

– 1993: Lost Social Democratic Party presidential primaries to Moshood Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe

– 2007: Ran under the Action Congress of Nigeria, lost to Umar Musa Yar’Adua

– 2011: Lost in PDP presidential primaries to Goodluck Jonathan

– 2015: Lost APC presidential primaries to Muhammadu Buhari

– 2019: Lost to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari

– 2023: Lost presidential election to Bola Tinubu

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