Veteran journalist, publisher and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has openly canvassed for the position of running mate to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 general election.
Momodu argued that a joint ticket featuring Atiku from the North and himself from the South would offer the opposition party its strongest chance of unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), urging the ADC to embrace a fresh political strategy.
The media entrepreneur made his position known in a statement shared on his social media platforms on Monday, alongside an infographic detailing why he believes the ADC can secure victory in the next presidential election if he is selected as vice-presidential candidate.
The infographic, which featured photographs of both Momodu and Atiku superimposed on a map of Nigeria, was titled, “The Attraction of Atiku Abubakar/Dele Momodu Ticket,” and highlighted what he described as the strengths of such a partnership.
Under the campaign slogan, “The Right Choice for a Greater Nigeria – Vote ADC,” Momodu listed several attributes he believes make him suitable for the role, including being a global brand, youth-friendly personality, media icon creator, highly educated, affable, reasonable, detribalised and benevolent. He also pointed to his Edo and Osun heritage and claimed to carry no political baggage.
Momodu, 66, previously contested the presidency on the platform of the National Conscience Party (NCP) in 2011 but was unsuccessful. He also declared interest in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket ahead of the 2023 election before later withdrawing from the race.
Although he was born in Ile-Ife, Osun State, his father, Jacob Momodu, hailed from Ihevbe in Edo State, while his mother was from Osun State.
Atiku emerged as the ADC presidential candidate in May after defeating former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and businessman, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen during the Party’s primary election. Both contenders initially rejected the outcome before the final collation of results.
Following his victory, Atiku paid separate visits to Amaechi at his Abuja residence and Hayatu-Deen in Lagos in what was widely seen as a reconciliation move and part of broader consultations ahead of the 2027 contest.
Since those meetings, Amaechi has not publicly renewed his criticism of the primary process, fuelling speculation that he could eventually be considered for the vice-presidential slot.
However, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has remained at odds with Atiku. Lawal resigned from the ADC last Monday, alleging that the Party’s primary election was manipulated in favour of the former Vice President.
Despite growing interest in who will complete the ticket, Atiku has yet to publicly announce a running mate. This contrasts sharply with National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who quickly named former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as his running mate after clinching his Party’s ticket.
Political observers have also speculated that Atiku may be considering either Abia State Governor, Alex Otti or Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo for the position.
Otti, who is serving his first term, is a member of the Labour Party (LP), while Soludo, currently in his second term as Governor, belongs to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
In his statement, Momodu predicted that the 2027 presidential election would largely be a showdown between President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking re-election, and Atiku Abubakar.
While acknowledging the possibility of another third-force movement emerging, similar to what happened in 2023, he argued that such a challenge may lack the strength required to dislodge the major contenders.
According to him, the ADC must break away from conventional political thinking and position itself as a bridge between old and new political generations, conservatives and cosmopolitans, as well as experienced politicians and technocrats.
“The 2027 Presidential election is expected to be a major fight between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his biggest challenger, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. It promises to be the battle of the Titans,” he said.
He added that a potential third-force movement may struggle to gather enough momentum to overcome the two leading contenders, insisting that an Atiku-Momodu ticket offers the best blend of regional balance and political appeal.
Momodu also warned that persistent internal disputes could weaken the ADC if left unresolved, urging Party leaders to return to politics driven by ideas, ideology and visionary leadership.
He lamented what he described as the decline of principled politics in Nigeria, saying the country has drifted away from the legacies of leaders such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
According to him, the rise of political gangsterism has become a major threat to national unity and democratic development, stressing the need for a strong political bridge between Northern and Southern Nigeria before the situation deteriorates further.
