Media entrepreneur and publisher Dele Momodu has criticised what he described as the “bullying” of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, drawing attention to the political history between Atiku and Peter Obi.
In a post shared on X on Monday, Momodu described the situation as unfortunate, noting that Atiku had previously selected Obi as his running mate during the 2019 presidential election.
“It is extremely sad that a man who gave PETER OBI his first Vice Presidential ticket is being bullied in this manner. I wish to believe this is the handiwork of fake OBIDIENTS and agent provocateur,” he wrote.
He later expanded on his views during a live X Space discussion, where he addressed broader issues surrounding the 2023 presidential election, voting patterns, and internal dynamics within opposition politics.
Questioning claims that Obi was denied victory, Momodu pointed to the voting outcomes in his strongholds.
“You said Obi won and they did not allow him to take power. In 2023, Peter Obi had almost 100 per cent of the votes from his territory and the votes were recorded, yet you said he was rigged,” he said.
Momodu also spoke about the complexities of building national political support, particularly across regional divides.
“Northerners will not die for any southern candidate,” he said, a comment that generated mixed reactions and criticism from some listeners.
In defending Atiku’s political standing, he highlighted the former vice president’s experience and performance in the last election.
“In the last election, whether you like him or not, he came second. I am proud of him because he stayed focused. If he wins, he wins… he still remains a former Vice President of Nigeria,” he said.
He suggested that the next election cycle could be pivotal for Atiku’s future in politics.
“This one is the last one; if he loses the primary, then that is the end,” he said.
Momodu also cautioned against hostility in political discourse, urging supporters across different camps to engage respectfully and avoid abusive rhetoric.
“I do not care… it is your right to say whatever you want about Atiku. I believe agent provocateurs are trying to penetrate into our party. We will support whoever wins the ticket,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of maintaining decorum in political conversations, including when discussing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Do not let us behave like thugs. I will not agree to anyone abusing Tinubu on this platform. Saying mean things about people is a reflection of who you are,” he added.
Despite the controversies and criticisms, Momodu reaffirmed his support for Atiku, describing himself as “a last man standing.”
