Momodu Urges Obi to Join Atiku on ADC Ticket, Eyes Amaechi as Plan B

ABUJA— Veteran journalist and Atiku Abubakar ally Dele Momodu has intensified calls for Peter Obi to accept the vice-presidential slot on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket with Atiku as the presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections. Momodu, speaking to reporters, emphasized that such a partnership could decisively challenge President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC), recalling their joint 2019 PDP run and separate 2023 efforts that split opposition votes. He warned that Obi’s hesitation risks handing victory to Tinubu, noting ADC’s recent adoption by opposition figures including Atiku, Obi, and others as a unified platform. ​

Momodu highlighted personal overtures to Obi during meetings in Lagos and Ghana, questioning Obi’s uncertain party affiliation amid PDP and Labour Party struggles. “If Peter Obi does not take advantage of a ready-made union between him and Atiku, it would be very unfortunate. It would be as good as working for Tinubu to come back,” Momodu stated, pointing to APC losses in Lagos and Osun in 2023 despite alleged irregularities. He positioned Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State governor, as a strong alternative, crediting Amaechi’s pivotal role in delivering Buhari’s 2015 victory through superior mobilization compared to even Tinubu. ​

Atiku’s bloc within ADC has accelerated its search for a southern running mate, prioritizing Obi but prepared to pivot to Amaechi if needed, sources confirmed. Amaechi’s camp eyes the ADC presidential ticket primarily, though allies see VP as a strategic pre-primary deal amid primaries’ uncertainties. Obi’s supporters, led by National Coordinator Yunusa Tanko, reaffirmed his standalone 2027 presidential ambition under a southern continuity narrative, demanding clear coalition terms focused on security, economy, and governance. ​

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Momodu praised Atiku’s resilience, business acumen, legal battles for electoral justice, and detribalized leadership, portraying him as uniquely equipped against Tinubu’s incumbency advantages like governor cajoling and image-building. This push unfolds as Atiku formally joined ADC recently, signaling opposition consolidation despite earlier coalition talks involving figures like David Mark and Nasir el-Rufai. Political observers note the dynamic landscape, with northern APC governors reportedly engaging opposition blocs. ​​