Kehinde Fajobi
Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that whether Atiku Abubakar becomes Nigeria’s president in 2027 will depend on God and destiny.
He made the remark during an interview on Channels Television, addressing criticism of Abubakar’s age and his continued presidential ambitions.
Former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose recently called on the 77-year-old Abubakar to step aside, citing the need for younger leadership. If Abubakar were to contest again in 2027, he would be 81 years old. Despite having run for president six times, speculation remains that Abubakar may pursue the PDP ticket once more.
In response to Fayose’s comments, Momodu emphasised that no one has the authority to dictate Abubakar’s political future.
“Why are they afraid of him?” Momodu asked, questioning critics who argue against Abubakar’s candidacy based on his age. He noted that many of these same critics did not support younger candidates in the 2023 elections.
Momodu dismissed age as a disqualifier for leadership, pointing to U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump as examples of older leaders in power.
“Age cannot be an automatic qualification or disqualification in politics,” he asserted.
He argued that leadership should be evaluated based on performance, not age, and questioned what younger politicians have achieved with the resources at their disposal.
“If Atiku decides to run, good luck to him. If he doesn’t, no problem. But no one should try to muzzle him,” Momodu added.
When asked about Abubakar’s chances against President Bola Tinubu in 2027, Momodu suggested that the ongoing criticism of the former vice president indicates he is seen as a potential threat.
He concluded, “If the mood of the nation is overwhelmingly opposed to the current leader, Atiku stands a chance in 2027.”
Abubakar, a former vice president under Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, has long been a fixture in Nigerian politics, having contested for the presidency multiple times.
Despite his defeat in the 2023 elections, his political ambitions remain a subject of debate as Nigeria looks towards 2027.