Momodu: ADC Should Tap Buhari’s Former Allies to Defeat Tinubu

Momodu: ADC Should Tap Buhari’s Former Allies to Defeat Tinubu

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has thrown his weight behind Atiku Abubakar as his preferred candidate for the party’s presidential ticket, while calling for a broad-based political strategy to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise News Morning Show, Momodu stressed that defeating an incumbent president requires more than popularity, rhetoric, or intellectual appeal, noting that electoral victory is largely driven by strategy, structure, and coalition-building.

According to him, the ADC already has within its ranks experienced political heavyweights who have contested at the highest level and should be leveraged rather than sidelined. He cited Atiku as a formidable contender, alongside other prominent figures in the party.

Momodu identified key political actors he described as part of a broader “gang” that could influence future electoral outcomes. These include former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, and former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, all of whom he noted are associated with the ADC.

He argued that the party must learn from past political successes, particularly the 2015 general elections that brought former President Muhammadu Buhari to power. Momodu disclosed that he played a role in the political movements leading to that victory, despite not being a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the time.

Drawing parallels with international politics, Momodu referenced the recent U.S. elections, noting how Joe Biden was replaced by Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate, yet failed to defeat Donald Trump. He said the example underscores the complexity of electoral dynamics, where funding and popularity do not always translate into victory.

The media entrepreneur further described President Tinubu as a “formidable” opponent who cannot be defeated by merely fielding a candidate without a well-thought-out political structure and alliance.

Momodu urged the ADC to focus on regions and political blocs that feel marginalized or dissatisfied with the current administration. He suggested that many individuals who previously supported Tinubu’s emergence, particularly those aligned with Buhari’s political camp, are now disillusioned and could be persuaded to back the ADC.

He claimed that figures such as El-Rufai and Malami, whom he described as politically sidelined, represent a bloc that the ADC could strategically engage to strengthen its chances.

On zoning and regional considerations, Momodu argued that presenting Atiku, who hails from the North-East, could be advantageous. He noted that the region has never produced a president and may rally strongly behind a candidate from the area, especially as it currently holds the vice presidency under the APC.

He concluded by urging the ADC leadership to adopt a pragmatic and inclusive approach, leveraging existing political structures, discontent within rival camps, and regional sentiments to build a winning coalition ahead of the next general elections.

Momodu: ADC Should Tap Buhari’s Former Allies to Defeat Tinubu