Atiku Can’t Buy ADC Presidential Ticket, Says Dele Momodu

Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has dismissed claims that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would use money to influence the party’s presidential primary.

Speaking on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Momodu addressed concerns over how the ADC would manage the presidential ambitions of its leading figures ahead of the party’s primary election.

Momodu argued that Atiku, unlike some political actors, does not control state resources or have access to billions of naira to sway delegates.

“Asiwaju controls at least Lagos. Wike controls Rivers. But Atiku is a businessman. He has been in business since leaving office in 2007. He does not control any state in Nigeria. So, where will he get billions to bribe delegates?” Momodu asked.

He added that strategy, not money, was key to Atiku’s victory over Nyesom Wike in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary in 2022. “That’s why Wike became inconsolable. He was so sure that nobody could match him dollar for dollar,” he said.

Momodu further clarified that campaign funding should not be equated with bribery, noting that funds are primarily used for logistics and election management.

“It’s not just about money. Campaign funds cover logistics, security, and ensuring votes are properly managed on election day,” he said, citing the 2024 U.S. presidential election as an example, where Kamala Harris raised more funds than Donald Trump but still lost.

Momodu emphasized that money facilitates the smooth conduct of elections rather than the inducement of delegates. “You need to make sure every polling unit is properly managed. That’s what we mean by money,” he added.