A former aide to ex–Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Dele Momodu, has faulted supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi over their insistence on describing him as the “best of us” within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that such language is divisive and disrespectful to other aspirants in the coalition.

Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine, spoke on Channels Television on Thursday while reacting to comments credited to some Obi allies, including rights activist Aisha Yesufu and economist Prof. Pat Utomi, who suggested they could withdraw support from the ADC if Obi is not handed the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 election.

The ADC is expected to conduct its presidential primaries in the coming months, with Obi—who recently defected to the party—likely to contest against Atiku Abubakar and other prominent figures.

While acknowledging Obi’s popularity, Momodu cautioned against what he described as attempts by the Obidient movement to impose a preferred candidate on the coalition.

“When I talked about people being rambunctious, I read stories where someone was quoted as saying, ‘Why will the best of us always be playing second fiddle to the worst of us?’” he said.

“What determines who is the worst of us?”

Describing such rhetoric as insulting, Momodu argued that the ADC boasts several experienced and credible aspirants.

“Today, if you ask me, in ADC, there are prominent potential candidates. Number one on the list as of today is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. He was Vice President for eight years and has played at the highest level,” he said.

Momodu recalled Atiku’s long political career, noting that he first aspired to the presidency in 1993 before stepping down for the late Chief MKO Abiola.

He also listed other notable figures within the coalition, including former Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

“Amaechi has been Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, governor for eight years, and minister for several years.

“Then you have Peter Obi, who served two terms as governor of Anambra State.

“In the North, you also have Malam Nasir El-Rufai, a man whose intellect I deeply respect,” he added.

Momodu rejected any suggestion that Atiku could be regarded as inferior to other aspirants.

“Atiku certainly cannot be described as the worst of us. He left office in 2007, has built successful businesses, and remains healthy and active,” he said.

Reacting to Prof. Utomi’s warning that Obi’s supporters might withdraw backing if he does not secure the ADC ticket, Momodu said such a stance undermines the spirit of the coalition.

“That cannot be a threat. You cannot threaten other potential candidates. This is a coalition; it is not a one-man project. Nigeria does not recognise independent candidacy,” he stated.

While praising Obi as “a fantastic guy” and “a political phenomenon,” Momodu insisted that elevating him above other aspirants is unfair.

“To say he is the best of all of them, where you have people like Atiku and Amaechi, is an insult to the rest,” he concluded.