Peter Obi: ‘Asking Atiku To Step Down Based on Emotion Sentiment Is a Monumental Tragedy’

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A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has firmly dismissed appeals urging former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of Peter Obi. He warned that making such a critical political decision based purely on emotional considerations would be deeply unfortunate and damaging to the democratic process.

His position comes amid rising debate within political circles following Peter Obi’s recent decision to join the ADC after leaving the Labour Party. Obi, who emerged third in the 2023 presidential election with more than six million votes, has since attracted strong backing from supporters who believe he should be the party’s presidential flag bearer in the next general election.

However, the situation has sparked mixed reactions. Some political figures, including key members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), have downplayed Obi’s move, suggesting it could ultimately lead to him accepting a vice-presidential role alongside Atiku. At the same time, prominent Obi supporters such as Professor Pat Utomi and activist Aisha Yesufu have publicly cautioned against such an arrangement, warning they would withdraw their support if Obi accepted a subordinate position.

Momodu, speaking during an interview, made it clear that he sees no realistic scenario where Atiku would abandon his presidential ambition. According to him, repeated efforts to persuade the former Vice President to step down reflect persistent attempts to undermine his political standing rather than objective political reasoning.

He revealed that several individuals had approached him, requesting that he convince Atiku to withdraw from the race. When he pressed them for justification, the reasons offered were largely tied to perceptions about Atiku’s age rather than any proven concerns about his competence or health. Momodu questioned the logic behind such arguments, especially when similar concerns are not consistently applied to other political figures.

The media publisher and politician further argued that bias, rather than merit, appears to drive many of the calls for Atiku to step aside. He challenged critics who imply that Atiku is less qualified, asking who determines such judgments and on what objective basis those conclusions are reached.

Momodu also used the opportunity to highlight Atiku’s background, noting his extensive involvement in business, education, philanthropy, and democratic advocacy. He pointed out that since leaving office in 2007, Atiku has remained active outside government structures, building a profile that reflects independence and sustained engagement in national development.

He suggested that asking a candidate with such experience and global exposure to withdraw solely to satisfy emotional demands would amount to a serious political misstep. In his view, leadership decisions—especially those concerning presidential contests—should be based on competence, vision, and democratic choice rather than pressure driven by sentiment.

Commentary and Political Analysis

Momodu’s remarks reflect deeper tensions within opposition politics as parties begin early positioning ahead of the 2027 election cycle. The entry of Peter Obi into the ADC has reshaped internal dynamics, creating both opportunities and potential rivalries within the party.

The debate also highlights the broader challenge of balancing popularity with political structure. Obi’s strong grassroots support contrasts with Atiku’s long-standing political experience, creating a complex decision-making scenario for party leaders.

Furthermore, Momodu’s defense of Atiku signals that internal consensus within the ADC may not come easily. Political parties often face internal divisions when multiple influential figures compete for leadership roles, and how the ADC navigates this period could shape its electoral strength.

Ultimately, the controversy underscores a fundamental democratic principle: leadership contests are determined not by emotional appeals but by political strategy, party processes, and voter choice. As 2027 approaches, the evolving relationship between Obi, Atiku, and the ADC will remain a key factor in Nigeria’s political landscape.