'Some people still inconsolable because they didn't get candidacy' – Dele Momodu shades Wike

African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Dele Momodu has taken a jab at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his lingering grievance following the outcome of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2022 presidential primary.

Speaking Thursday night, October 22, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Momodu contrasted Wike’s reaction to losing the ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s political discipline, commending Atiku as a focused and tolerant leader.

“Atiku Abubakar has been the most focused candidate since his name appeared for the presidential race in 1993. He was persuaded to step down for Chief MKO Abiola and he did without setting the roof on fire. We know of some people who did not get the candidacy four years ago, until today, they are still inconsolable,” Momodu said.

Describing Atiku as a calm politician who has consistently welcomed internal democracy, Momodu emphasized that the former vice president does not operate as a dictator or wield state power to control others.

“Atiku has always been a man of cool mien. He's always as cool as the cucumber. He has never stopped anyone from contesting against him. He has never been a dictator. He left power in 2007, and he's been managing his life. He does not control any state,” he added.

Momodu maintained that Atiku stands out as the most qualified candidate among the leading figures shaping the 2027 presidential contest, comparing his credentials alongside President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

“Bola Tinubu came; his best credential was being the former governor of Lagos State. Atiku came; his best credential was being the former vice president of Nigeria. Peter Obi came; his best credential was being the governor of Anambra State,” Momodu noted.

He further pointed out that President Tinubu himself recognizes Atiku’s political weight, recalling that Tinubu previously invited Atiku to join forces with him in past political alignments.