Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has called on opposition figures, including Peter Obi, to unite with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in a bid to “rescue Nigeria.”

Momodu made the appeal on Tuesday during the closing lecture of a week-long celebration in Jada, Adamawa State, marking Atiku’s birthday. The event drew political leaders and supporters from across the country.

Tracing Atiku’s political journey, Momodu highlighted his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development. “During the 1993 SDP primary, Atiku stepped down for my adopted father, Chief MKO Abiola, allowing him to secure the ticket,” he said, as quoted by Atiku’s media office.

Describing the former vice-president as a man of peace, Momodu noted, “Atiku is not a violent politician; you will never see him parade thugs around him. He pursues his ambition with clarity, without resorting to violence. He has also endured betrayals with patience and faith.”

The publisher further emphasized Atiku’s role in shaping Nigeria’s jurisprudence through his legal battles, stating that these struggles strengthened constitutional governance. He also commended Atiku for consistently speaking against military excesses and poor governance, even when silence was the easier path.

“When we refuse to encourage good people, the worst amongst us thrive,” Momodu added, describing Atiku as “a great manager of men and resources” and asserting that “no one is better prepared to lead this nation than Atiku at this time.”