ADC Coalition: Obidients Are Free to Support Obi, I Have the Right to Back Atiku – Dele Momodu

Media entrepreneur and publisher of *Ovation* magazine, Chief Dele Momodu, has reaffirmed his support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the preferred presidential candidate of the opposition coalition expected to emerge under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform. Speaking on *Channels Television’s Politics Today* on Monday, Momodu made it clear that while he’s backing Atiku, supporters of Labour Party’s Peter Obi—popularly known as "Obidients"—are free to support their own candidate. “My choice is Atiku. That doesn’t stop Obidients from supporting Obi or others from backing Amaechi. That’s democracy. We’re all entitled to our choices,” he said. Momodu explained that Atiku stands out among the declared aspirants within the emerging coalition, describing him as a strong and capable leader with the experience Nigeria needs right now. He also suggested that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is uneasy about Atiku’s growing momentum, which is why they prefer a southerner to emerge as the ADC’s candidate. “The APC and its leaders are clearly uncomfortable with Atiku. That’s why they’re pushing for a southern candidate,” Momodu said. “If you listen closely to Wike and others, they’ve been insisting that the next president should come from the South. But realistically, there’s no strong southern candidate in the opposition right now.” He noted that while Rivers State politician Nyesom Wike might have been a viable southern contender, his open support for President Bola Tinubu effectively removes him from the race. “When they start attacking Atiku, it’s a clear sign that they see him as a threat,” Momodu added. Addressing concerns from Obi’s supporters, Momodu emphasized his longstanding friendship with the Labour Party leader and his respect for his ambitions. “Peter Obi is a good friend of mine. If you ask me who should lead the coalition, I’d say Obi would be a great choice. But let’s do it democratically. Let the process be open and fair so no one feels sidelined or forced into anything.”