Momodu said on Thursday via social media that the widely circulated claim was a deliberate distraction. He appealed to his supporters and political associates to disregard it. “When I first received this poster from a friend, I dismissed it as a joke designed to distract us,” he said. “I will be most grateful if my friends and party members can do me the honour of ignoring this joke.”
The Ovation magazine publisher did not stop at dismissing the rumour. He made a broader statement about his political future. “I’m not running for any race again. I’m interested in humbly supporting the coalition of political parties to work together and oust the incompetent APC government.”
That is a clear declaration. Momodu is not a candidate. He is a kingmaker — or at least a supporter of kings.
The Role He Wants
Momodu explained that his role ahead of the 2027 general elections would be centred on strengthening opposition collaboration rather than pursuing personal ambition. He added that the African Democratic Congress already has capable personalities qualified to contest for top political offices. According to him, there are “more than enough leaders” within the party who are better suited for electoral contests.
The statement is notable for what it says — and what it does not. Momodu is not closing the door on political involvement. He is closing the door on being on the ballot. He wants to help build a coalition that can defeat the ruling party. He does not want to be the one whose name appears on the ticket.
That positioning is strategic. It allows Momodu to remain a player in opposition politics without becoming a target. It also lets him mediate between different factions without being accused of self-interest.
The Bigger Picture
Momodu earlier condemned what he termed persistent attacks on Atiku, reminding critics that Peter Obi had previously contested alongside the former vice president in the 2019 presidential election. He appealed for civility in political engagements and warned against inflammatory rhetoric targeted at political opponents, including President Bola Tinubu.
That is a broader message. Momodu is not just dismissing a rumour. He is calling for a different kind of politics. Less personal attacks. More coalition building. Less distraction. More focus on the goal of unseating the APC.
Momodu reiterated that he would ultimately support whoever emerges as the candidate of his party, stressing that his priority remains building a formidable opposition coalition. That is the language of a unifier, not a contender.
The Timing
The speculation about Momodu as Atiku’s running mate did not emerge from nowhere. The ADC has been positioning itself as a serious opposition force. It has attracted major political figures. It has defied INEC to hold its convention. A Momodu-Atiku ticket would have generated buzz. It would have brought media attention, financial backing, and a passionate following.
But Momodu has now shut that door. The question is whether the speculation was ever real or whether it was, as he says, a “joke designed to distract.” Either way, the effect is the same. The opposition must look elsewhere for a vice-presidential candidate.
Momodu’s dismissal also sends a signal to other potential contenders. He is not competing for a position. He is willing to support whoever emerges. That could make him a valuable ally — and a trusted mediator — in the messy process of opposition coalition building.
The Bottom Line
Dele Momodu has dismissed speculation linking him to a possible vice-presidential ticket alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2027. In a social media post, he called the widely circulated claim a “joke designed to distract.” He said, “I’m not running for any race again,” adding that he is interested in humbly supporting a coalition of political parties to oust the “incompetent APC government.”
Momodu argued that the ADC already has capable personalities qualified for top offices and that there are “more than enough leaders” within the party better suited for electoral contests. He appealed for civility in political engagements and warned against inflammatory rhetoric targeting political opponents, including President Bola Tinubu. He reiterated that he would support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.
The running mate speculation is over. Momodu’s role in 2027 will be behind the scenes, not on the ballot. The opposition coalition he wants to build still needs a vice-presidential candidate. But it will not be him.
