Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine
BY Ayodele Oluwafemi
Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, says God and destiny will determine whether Atiku Abubakar becomes the country’s president in 2027.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Momodu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), wondered why critics of Abubakar are scared of his presidential ambition.
On Sunday, Ayodele Fayose, a former governor of Ekiti, said Abubakar, a former vice-president, should end his presidential ambition due to his advanced age.
Fayose said Nigerians are craving for a younger generation of leaders.
There have been speculations that Abubakar will seek the PDP’s presidential ticket for the umpteenth time ahead of the 2027 vote.
Abubakar, who is 77-years-old, will be 81 by the time the next presidential election comes around.
Abubakar has run for the number one office six times but has been on the ballot as a presidential candidate on three occasions — 2007, 2019, and 2023.
Momodu was asked to react to Fayose’s comments on Abubakar’s presidential ambition.
The publisher said he cannot legislate on how the former vice-president runs his political life.
Momodu said those criticising Abubakar’s presidential ambition did not support young candidates during the 2023 elections.
The PDP chieftain cited US President Joe Biden and Donald Trump as examples of politicians who became presidents at an advanced age.
“What has been the impact of these younger people who said they have been in politics?” Momodu asked.
“Go and check their states. What have they done for the amount of money made available to them?
“Age cannot be an automatic qualification or disqualification in politics.
“It is up to God and destiny. I am a child of destiny and that is why I have contentment.
“If Alhaji Atiku decides to run, good luck to him. If he doesn’t want to run, no problem. But for anybody to muzzle him… why are they afraid of him?”
Asked if Abubakar would be a threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, Momodu said: “I’m sure they (Abubakar’s critics) believe so. I know those who believe that he is the only one right now.
“Abubakar will be a threat if he is able to galvanise a mega political party. He will be a threat,” Momodu added.
The PDP chieftain said Abubakar stands a chance in 2027 if the “mood of the nation is overwhelmingly opposed to the current leader”.
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