2027: Atiku Lacks 1% Of Tinubu’s War Chest — Momodu

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar does not possess the financial resources needed to match President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Momodu made the remark while appearing as a guest on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

During the interview, the Ovation publisher expressed concern about what he described as Nigeria’s gradual slide toward a one-party state, comparing the current political climate to the period of former military ruler Sani Abacha.

He noted that although there is a clear financial disparity between both camps, his decision to support Atiku is rooted in his belief in the need for a vibrant opposition in the country.

“I will describe this moment as being worse than that of the Abacha government. Many people are worried that we now have virtually a one-party state.

“Atiku does not have 1 per cent of Tinubu’s war chest. No, he doesn’t have it. You can imagine how much Tinubu can generate from Lagos State alone, not to talk of national. And when you have an absolute ruler, everything is available to him,” he said.

Momodu also dismissed suggestions that he might eventually abandon Atiku, stressing that he had not participated in any private political meeting without the former vice president’s knowledge.

He said, “It’s easier for me to move to Tinubu than to move to Atiku. I’m one million times closer to Tinubu than to Atiku. In fact, people were telling Atiku that Dele is Tinubu’s spy till today. Don’t trust him.

“Dele is part of Tinubu’s strategy. He’s using him to spy on you. But there is nothing to spy on. I have not attended any secret private meeting without Atiku.

“So, if I’m with Atiku. That should show you that we are people who have a genuine interest in the country. I believe there must be opposition politics and candidates. But Tinubu wants to contest against himself. And it doesn’t make sense to me.”

The media entrepreneur further rejected claims that opposition politicians were intimidated by the President, arguing instead that it is the government that fears the reaction of Nigerians.

Momodu also faulted the administration’s approach to the country’s economic difficulties, saying many citizens are facing hardship while the government appears detached from the realities on the ground.

“You asked who is afraid of Tinubu. I would like to answer that question. It is Tinubu who is afraid of Nigerians. That is why they are cooking all kinds of cocktails, which you call strategy.

“So, that’s why I’m telling you that nobody is afraid of him. He is the one who is afraid of Nigerians. And Nigerians have a way of fighting back. Go and read our contemporary history. Nigerians have a way of fighting back.

“Nigerians are suffering. I think the Tinubu government is living on another planet. They are not being realistic and have their own delusion of grandeur,” he added.