‘Atiku is best prepared to lead Nigeria now’ — Dele Momodu says coalition leaders should join forces with him

Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine, has implored opposition figures, including Peter Obi to join forces with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to rescue Nigeria.

Momodu spoke at the closing lecture of a week-long celebration held in Jada, Adamawa state, to mark the former vice-president’s birthday.

Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and keynote speaker at the event, traced Abubakar’s political journey and highlighted his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic growth.

“During the 1993 SDP primary, Atiku stepped down for my adopted father, Chief MKO. This allowed him (Abiola) to win the ticket,” a statement by Abubakar’s media office quoted Momodu as saying.

“Atiku is not a common politician; he has been betrayed many times and always chooses peace and patience.

“Atiku is not a violent politician; you will never see him parade thugs around him. Little wonder God has given him excellent health in addition to success in business.

“Atiku is pursuing his ambition with clarity, without violence.”

The publisher said Abubakar’s various legal battles have expanded Nigeria’s jurisprudence and strengthened constitutional governance.

Momodu also pointed to the former vice-president’s long record of speaking against military excesses and poor governance when many preferred to be silent.

“When we refuse to encourage good people, the worst amongst us thrive,” he said.

He described Abubakar as “a great manager of men and resources” and insisted that “no one is better prepared to lead this nation than Atiku at this time.”