‘What disqualifies him?’ Momodu challenges Atiku critics
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and publisher, Dele Momodu, has rejected calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, insisting that age should not be used as a yardstick to disqualify him.
Momodu’s remarks came in response to a viral video by activist Zekeri Idris Jnr, who argued that Atiku, expected to be about 80 by 2027, should quit the stage for younger aspirants. Idris maintained that Nigeria requires fresh energy and claimed that younger voters would not support an elderly candidate.
In a statement shared on X on Saturday, Momodu criticised the focus on Atiku, saying it diverted attention from holding the current administration accountable.
“Rather than challenge the ruling government, you are expending energy attacking someone who has done nothing against your preferred candidate,” he said.
Backing his position, Momodu pointed to several international figures who held leadership roles at an advanced age, arguing that experience often proves invaluable in governance. He questioned why Atiku should be singled out, asking, “What exactly disqualifies him?”
Idris, however, stood by his position in the video, urging Atiku to adopt a unifying, elder statesman role. He suggested that the former vice president should support younger contenders, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, instead of seeking office again.
Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party and lost to President Bola Tinubu, is widely reported to be considering another run in 2027, possibly under the African Democratic Congress platform.