Dele Momodu Criticizes Fayose’s Call for Atiku to Step Down from Future Presidential Bids

Renowned media mogul and politician Dele Momodu has responded sharply to a recent statement made by former Governor Ayodele Fayose, in which Fayose advised Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to refrain from running for the Nigerian presidency in the future.

Momodu’s remarks, delivered in a fiery statement, raised several key questions about the rationale behind Fayose’s advice.

Momodu questioned who the “younger” candidates Fayose had in mind for the 2027 elections might be, pointing out the contradiction in supporting figures like Minister Nyesom Wike or President Bola Tinubu, who is openly backed by members of the PDP despite belonging to the rival APC. “Is it democratic,” Momodu asked, “to tell anyone not to contest an election?” He argued that while individuals are free to oppose a candidate, it is inappropriate to “stylishly disqualify” someone from running based on age alone.

Citing international examples, Momodu highlighted U.S. President Joe Biden’s political resurgence after Barack Obama’s presidency and Donald Trump’s ongoing participation in politics, despite his age, in a contest that could see him running against a younger VP Kamala Harris. He emphasized that age does not diminish a leader’s vision or mission in life, referencing Atiku’s enduring political relevance.

Momodu also turned his critique towards Fayose’s generation of Nigerian politicians, suggesting their political involvement had resulted in “calamity, chaos, and unprecedented corruption.”

He questioned how many of these younger politicians have made meaningful contributions or business ventures since leaving office, accusing them of continuing to “live parasitically on the nation.”

He defended Atiku’s political track record, describing him as a true democrat who has never exerted tyrannical control over any state or sponsored electoral violence.

Momodu questioned why, if the proponents of younger leadership were serious, they did not back figures like Yemi Osinbajo, Bukola Saraki, Aminu Tambuwal, Chibuike Amaechi, Peter Obi, or Rabiu Kwankwaso, but instead worked to install Bola Tinubu as president.

Concluding his statement, Momodu challenged Fayose and his allies, asking if they would also boldly advise President Tinubu not to contest in 2027.