Former presidential aspirant Dele Momodu has stated that only God and destiny will decide the future political career of Atiku Abubakar as the 2027 general elections approach.
Atiku, now 77, has unsuccessfully contested for the Nigerian presidency six times—in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. His first attempt was in 1993, when he ran in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries but lost to Moshood Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe.
There are speculations that the former vice president may run again in 2027 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite concerns about his health and physical fitness.
Speaking on *Channels Television’s Politics Today*, Momodu argued that age should not be a determining factor in politics, challenging the notion that younger politicians are necessarily more effective.
“What has been the impact of these younger people who claim to have been in politics? Look at their states, what have they accomplished with the resources at their disposal?” he asked. “Age cannot automatically qualify or disqualify someone from holding political office. Who would have thought Joe Biden would come after Obama? It’s all up to God and destiny. If Atiku decides to run, good luck to him. If he chooses not to, that’s fine. But why should anyone be afraid of him or try to suppress his ambition?” Momodu questioned.
When asked if Atiku would be a threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, Momodu did not give a direct answer. Instead, he remarked, “I am sure there are those who see him as a threat. Some believe he’s the only one who can pose a significant challenge, especially if he can galvanize a major political party.”
Momodu also compared Atiku’s potential influence to that of Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, noting that Buhari was chosen as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate because many believed he was the only figure who could unite the north.
Momodu’s comments follow a statement by former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, who recently urged Atiku to retire from presidential contests due to his age.