African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, has suggested that former presidential candidate Peter Obi left the party after recognising the political weight of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the ADC presidential race.
Momodu made the claim during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, May 27, while reacting to the party’s ongoing presidential primary and internal tensions among aspirants.
According to him, Obi’s withdrawal from the ADC was a calculated decision influenced by the strength of Atiku’s nationwide political network and long-standing presence in Nigerian politics.
“That is why Peter Obi left quietly; he knew that in a race against Atiku, he had no chance. That’s why he left, and that’s more honorable. You know, he didn’t deceive himself that he could beat his former boss, in inverted commas,” he said.
Momodu argued that Atiku remains the most formidable contender in the race, noting his decades of political engagement and influence across the country.
READ ALSO: Momodu Faults Obi’s Defection, Says He Should Have Tested Popularity In ADC
“I never doubted that he’s the biggest fish in the race. Atiku has been running since 1993, when he stepped down for Chief Moshood Abiola in Jos, and he has built this nationwide network that will be difficult for any newcomer to build,” he noted.
The ADC chieftain insisted that the ongoing primary process should not be dismissed prematurely, urging aggrieved aspirants to allow its full conclusion.
He also maintained that internal disagreements within the party should not overshadow its broader objective of political change ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Momodu further reiterated his support for Atiku, describing him as a seasoned politician and a unifying figure within the opposition space, while urging party members to remain focused on unity and strategy going forward.