ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Media entrepreneur and publisher, Dele Momodu, has pushed back against what he described as growing “bullying” of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, reminding critics that Peter Obi once ran as Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election.
In a post shared on X on Monday, Momodu said it was “extremely sad” that Atiku who gave Obi his first vice-presidential ticket was now facing sustained criticism, which he attributed to what he called “fake OBIDIENTS” and political provocateurs.
“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.
Momodu doubled down on his position during an X Space discussion, where he weighed in on the 2023 presidential election, regional voting patterns, and internal opposition politics comments that quickly stirred mixed reactions across social media.
Challenging claims that Obi was denied victory in the election, Momodu pointed to the overwhelming support the former Anambra governor recorded in his stronghold.
“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.
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He also spoke on the broader challenge of building nationwide political acceptance, especially across Nigeria’s regional divides, noting that electoral success requires cross-country appeal.
“Northerners will not die for any southern candidate,” he said, a remark that sparked backlash among some listeners who saw it as dismissive of Obi’s chances in the region.
Despite the controversy, Momodu stood firmly behind Atiku, describing him as a tested and resilient political figure whose performance in the last election still commands respect.
“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 stated.
Looking ahead, he suggested the next electoral cycle could mark a defining moment for Atiku’s political journey.
“This one is the last one; if he loses the primary, then that is the end,” he said.
Momodu also used the platform to caution against rising toxicity in Nigeria’s political discourse, urging supporters across party lines to engage more responsibly.
“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 need for civility in political engagement, extending that call to conversations involving 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.
Momodu maintained that regardless of the criticism and shifting political alliances, he would continue to stand by Atiku, describing himself as “a last man standing.”