Publisher and former presidential aspirant Dele Momodu has dismissed allegations by ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary was manipulated in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Momodu described Lawal’s claims as unconvincing and questioned why the former SGF failed to provide supporting evidence.
“I listened patiently to him. He sounded a bit confused about the subject matter. He is a man above 70, so at what point did he realise that Atiku is what he is calling him? He said they rigged the election; why didn’t he come with documents?” Momodu said.
The ADC chieftain also downplayed Lawal’s resignation from the party, insisting it was neither a “big blow” to the ADC nor to Atiku’s presidential ambition.
Defending the former vice president, Momodu argued that Atiku’s political and business record remains unblemished.
“Atiku does not live on government resources. He is a cosmopolitan Nigerian. He has never been investigated, prosecuted or convicted. He minds his business and does not control any state where he is collecting political dividends,” Momodu said.
He suggested that Lawal’s criticism may stem from personal resentment, adding: “Listening to him, I feel very sad. It is obvious to me now that someone like Babachir is probably envious of Atiku.”
Age No Barrier to Leadership
Responding to concerns about Atiku’s age, Momodu maintained that age should not disqualify anyone from leadership.
“As long as God has given you life, age should not be a problem. Donald Trump and Atiku are in the same age range. The current President of Liberia is over 80 and doing very well. All over the world, older people are still achieving great things in leadership,” he said.
Lawal resigned from the ADC on Monday, alleging that the party’s presidential primary had been rigged in Atiku’s favour. He claimed results were manipulated to secure the former vice president’s victory and said he could not remain part of what he called a “rigging machine” ahead of the 2027 elections.