By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Bashorun Dele Momodu, has described former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as more experienced at the national level than President Bola Tinubu and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Momodu made the assertion on Wednesday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, where he discussed the political credentials of the three prominent figures.
According to him, Atiku’s experience in national government, particularly his eight-year tenure as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, gives him an advantage over other potential contenders.
“If you look at the antecedents of the three major candidates and the two major opposition candidates, between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, you will see that Atiku is the most experienced. He has managed our country, Nigeria, at the highest level, the presidency, and his impact is still felt and spoken about till today,” Momodu said.
Momodu Recalls Atiku’s Political Journey
The ADC chieftain traced Atiku’s political experience to the 1992 presidential primary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he contested against the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola before stepping down for him.
Momodu said Atiku’s decision to withdraw from the contest demonstrated his ability to accept political decisions without creating unnecessary divisions.
He recalled that although Atiku was not selected as Abiola’s running mate, he accepted the outcome without publicly challenging the decision.
“He is the only one who started from around 1992, contested the SDP primary against M.K.O. Abiola, and after he stepped down for Abiola, Abiola became victorious in their party, SDP, and eventually went on to win the presidential race on June 12, 1993,” he said.
According to Momodu, the episode demonstrated Atiku’s democratic credentials and political maturity.
He also highlighted Atiku’s role in the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his subsequent service as vice-president between 1999 and 2007.
Momodu argued that Atiku’s experience at the federal level, alongside his business background, distinguished him from politicians whose executive experience had primarily been at the state level.
‘Obi’s Best Was Demonstrated in Anambra’
Comparing Atiku with Obi, Momodu acknowledged the former Anambra governor’s achievements but maintained that their respective experiences were different in scope.
“Of course, Peter Obi has tried his best. His best was demonstrated in Anambra State in the southeast of Nigeria, while Atiku’s best is at the level of vice-president, controlling, managing the economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
He added: “So, the difference is clear between both of them. He has matured in peace, in experience, and in exposure.”
Obi served as governor of Anambra State for two terms between 2006 and 2014, with a brief interruption in his first tenure. His administration attracted attention for its emphasis on public finance management and investments in sectors such as education and healthcare.
He later served as Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election before contesting the 2023 election under the Labour Party, where he emerged as a major opposition figure.
Momodu Criticises Tinubu’s Leadership
Momodu also questioned Tinubu’s national leadership experience, arguing that the president’s political background was largely shaped by his years in Lagos State.
Tinubu served as Lagos State governor from 1999 to 2007 and later played a significant role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which defeated the PDP in the 2015 presidential election.
He won the 2023 presidential election and assumed office in May of that year.
However, Momodu argued that Tinubu’s experience in Lagos did not necessarily translate into effective management of Nigeria’s complex national challenges.
“What I’m trying to say is that Tinubu’s experience was limited to Lagos, and that is why when he became president, he thought Nigeria was Lagos. And he has found out now that Nigeria is not Lagos,” he said.
He also challenged the administration’s economic record, arguing that Nigerians were yet to experience the level of prosperity promised by the government.
“Well, we are yet to see that prosperity, and if yesterday would determine today and tomorrow, it is obvious that Tinubu should retire now and let someone else do it,” Momodu added.
Atiku’s Experience at the Centre of Debate
Momodu maintained that Atiku’s experience in the presidency, particularly his years as vice-president, made him better positioned to lead Nigeria than Obi.
His comments come as political figures and parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general election, with questions about leadership experience, economic management and national development expected to feature prominently in political debates.
However, the comparative assessment remains Momodu’s political opinion. The eventual choice of candidates and their suitability for office will be matters for political parties and voters to determine as the electoral process unfolds.
