BREAKING: Why Obi Quietly Left ADC After Atiku Emerged as Top Opposition Figure — Momodu

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the most experienced contender in the race for Nigeria’s presidency ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that this reality influenced the decision of Peter Obi to exit the ADC contest.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Wednesday May 27, 2026, Momodu said Atiku’s political reach and national experience made him the dominant figure in the ADC presidential primaries.

“The fact is that, with Bola Tinubu now as President of Nigeria, everybody knows that the only person in the race at the moment with cumulative experience and exposure is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, that is why Peter Obi left quietly. He knew that in a race against Atiku, he had no chance,” Momodu stated.

According to him, Obi’s decision to step away from the contest was more honourable because the former Labour Party presidential candidate did not deceive himself about his prospects against Atiku.

Momodu also referenced the political alliance between both men during the 2019 presidential election, when Obi served as Atiku’s running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The veteran publisher further argued that Obi understood the limitations he faced within the ADC’s internal arrangements, particularly as the party weighed consensus talks and direct primaries.

“So when Obi realised that there were two options consensus or a direct primary he knew that consensus might not favour him, and he knew that a primary might be difficult for him, and he left quietly with dignity,” Momodu added.

His comments come amid heightened political activity within the ADC following controversies surrounding the party’s presidential primaries, with some aspirants, including Rotimi Amaechi, raising concerns over alleged irregularities in the process.