A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has criticised calls by supporters of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, insisting that he must automatically emerge as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
Momodu described such demands as disrespectful to other leaders within the ADC-led coalition, warning that portraying Obi as “the best” among the party’s figures is both divisive and dismissive.
He made the remarks on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television, reacting to comments by rights activist Aisha Yesufu and economist Prof. Pat Utomi—both allies of Obi—who had suggested they could withdraw their support if Obi is not given the ADC presidential ticket.
Yesufu had argued that Obi remains the most qualified figure within the coalition and should not “play second fiddle” to other aspirants, a position earlier echoed by Utomi.
Responding, Momodu faulted the rhetoric coming from sections of the Obidient movement, describing it as inflammatory.
“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?”
The publisher of Ovation magazine stressed that such language undermines the collective strength of the coalition, which he said is made up of seasoned political figures.
According to Momodu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar currently stands as one of the most prominent potential candidates within the ADC, citing his eight-year tenure at the highest level of governance and his long history in presidential politics dating back to 1993, when he stepped down for Chief MKO Abiola.
He also mentioned former Rivers State governor and minister, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, noting his experience as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, two-term governor, and federal minister.
Momodu further listed former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, describing him as a highly intelligent and valuable asset to the party.
“Then we have Peter Obi, who served two terms as governor of Anambra State,” he added.
“So I don’t know where people got the idea of ‘the worst of us.’”
Rejecting any implication that Atiku could be regarded as unfit, Momodu said the former vice president remains active, healthy, and accomplished.
He also dismissed Prof. Utomi’s suggestion that Obi’s supporters could withdraw backing if he is not chosen as the party’s flagbearer.
“That cannot be a threat. You cannot threaten other potential candidates,” he said.
Emphasising the collective nature of the coalition, Momodu noted that no single individual can dominate the process.
“We need the cooperation of everybody. That is why we call it a coalition. It is not a one-man thing, and Nigeria does not recognise independent candidacy.”
While acknowledging Obi’s popularity and influence, Momodu warned against elevating one aspirant above others.
“Obi is a fantastic guy, a phenomenon,” he said,
“but to say he is the best of all of them, where you have the Atikus and the Amaechis, is an insult to the rest.”
