ATIKU WON’T STEP ASIDE FOR OBI IN 2027 – DELE MOMODU.

Former presidential candidate and media entrepreneur Dele Momodu has dismissed speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar might withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
Atiku, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election, formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in November 2025—a move widely viewed as positioning himself to clinch the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 polls.
Peter Obi, who came third in the 2023 election behind Atiku and eventual winner President Bola Tinubu, also defected from the Labour Party to the ADC last week. His move has been interpreted by analysts as part of a broader opposition realignment aimed at mounting a strong challenge to Tinubu’s expected re-election bid.
The defections fueled speculation that Obi might agree to serve as Atiku’s running mate, a notion openly ridiculed by figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. However, prominent Obi supporters such as political economist Pat Utomi and activist Aisha Yesufu have warned they would withdraw their support if Obi accepted a vice-presidential role.
Momodu also rejected rumours that Atiku could step aside for Obi based on an alleged agreement for Obi to serve a single four-year term before handing over power in 2031. Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Momodu said Atiku had no reason to abandon his presidential ambition.
“Many people have asked me to advise former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to voluntarily withdraw from the 2027 race,” Momodu said. “When I ask why, they say he is too old—not that he is less healthy than President Bola Tinubu.
“Out of unsubstantiated malice and prejudice, Tinubu can and should contest, but Atiku can’t and shouldn’t contest.”
He argued that efforts to undermine Atiku’s ambition have become a recurring media narrative, stressing that the former vice president’s experience and track record distinguish him from many of his contemporaries.