Momodu faults Obi’s defection, says ex-governor should have tested popularity in ADC
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has criticised Peter Obi’s defection, saying the former presidential candidate should have remained in the party to test his political
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has criticised Peter Obi's defection, saying the former presidential candidate should have remained in the party to test his political strength.
Momodu, publisher of Ovation International, made the remarks during an interview on a national television programme on Wednesday, reacting to the recent exit of Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the ADC to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
He argued that Obi would have had a clearer opportunity to gauge his popularity through the party’s internal processes, including direct primaries.
“It’s a lot easier for Obi to test his popularity, but he ran away from testing that popularity because all it takes now is either consensus or direct primaries,” Momodu said. “If you are popular, you will get the votes. But he knows that in direct, indirect, or consensus, it will be difficult for him to beat a man who brought him to national prominence in 2019.”
Momodu also defended the long-standing presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as a consistent and determined politician.
“Atiku has diligently pursued his ambition since the early 1990s and has not given up. That is the hallmark of a serious politician,” he said, adding that Obi should have stayed in the ADC to prove his political base.
The media entrepreneur further claimed that Obi’s decision was influenced by pressure from his supporters, who were reportedly opposed to his accepting a vice-presidential role.
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“Obi is afraid of his supporters. They have made it clear that if he agrees to be a running mate, they will disown him,” Momodu said, referencing public comments by activists such as Aisha Yesufu and economist Pat Utomi.
He insisted that Obi’s exit was not due to rivalry with Atiku but rather to concerns about his chances within the party.
Obi, alongside Kwankwaso, formally joined the NDC on Sunday after a closed-door meeting with party leaders, where they were received by former Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson.
The former Anambra State governor had earlier cited internal crises, external interference, and what he described as a toxic political environment as reasons for leaving the ADC, which he joined from the Labour Party in December 2025.
Obi said Nigeria’s political space is increasingly characterised by intimidation, insecurity, and heightened scrutiny, making it difficult for opposition figures to operate effectively.
