A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has criticised calls by supporters of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, who insist he must emerge as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Momodu said such demands amount to an insult to other leaders within the coalition, particularly when members of the Obidient movement describe their principal as ‘the best’ among ADC figures.
He made the remarks on Channels Television on Thursday while reacting to statements by rights activist Aisha Yesufu and economist Prof Pat Utomi—both allies of Obi—who warned that their backing could be withdrawn if Obi is not handed the ADC presidential ticket.
Yesufu had argued that Obi is “the best” among the political actors in the ADC and should not “play second fiddle” to anyone else in the coalition, a position earlier echoed by Utomi.
Responding, Momodu said the rhetoric from some sections of the Obidient movement was divisive and dismissive of other influential figures in the party.
“When I talked about people being rambunctious, I read stories where someone was quoted as saying, “Why will the best of us always be playing second fiddle to the worst of us?’” Momodu said.
He questioned the basis of such characterisations, asking, “What determines who is the worst of us?”
The Ovation Magazine publisher described the language as offensive, stressing that the ADC comprises several seasoned political leaders.
He said, “Today, if you ask me, in ADC, there are prominent potential candidates. Number one on the list as of today is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar because he was a vice president, he has played at the highest level for eight years.”
Momodu recalled Atiku’s long political journey, noting that his presidential ambition dates back to 1993.
“He started contesting for the presidency in 1993, when he stepped down for Chief MKO Abiola in Jos,” he added.
He also named other figures within the coalition, including former Rivers State governor and ex-minister Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as well as former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
“The next person will be Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who has been Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for eight years. He’s been governor for eight years, he’s been minister for years. Then, we got to Peter Obi, who has been a governor of Anambra State for two terms,” he said.
Momodu further praised El-Rufai, describing him as a key intellectual asset to the party. “If you look towards the North, you have Malam Nasir El-Rufai, a man whose brain is so fertile. I respect his brain so much and he is a brain box for our party,” he said, adding that he could not understand where the idea of “the worst of us” came from.
He rejected any suggestion that Atiku could be labelled “the worst” among the aspirants.
“Atiku certainly cannot be the worst of us. He left power in 2007, he has been building his businesses, and God has blessed him with good health,” Momodu said.
Momodu also dismissed Prof Utomi’s warning to withdraw support if Obi is not selected as the party’s candidate.
“That cannot be a threat. You cannot threaten other potential candidates,” he said.
Emphasising the collective nature of the alliance, Momodu noted, “We need the cooperation of everybody. That is why we call it a coalition. It is not a one-man thing, and Nigeria does not recognise independent candidacy.”
While acknowledging Obi’s popularity, Momodu cautioned against elevating one individual above others.
“Obi is a fantastic guy, a phenomenon,” he said, “but to say he is the best of all of them where you have the Atikus and the Amaechis is an insult to the rest of them.”