Atiku, Dele Momodu speculation grows as 2027 ADC ticket sparks running mate debate

Questions have continued to mount over whether former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, has settled on media mogul, Dele Momodu, as his running mate following a suggestive social media post that stirred political discussions on Monday.

Momodu, in a widely circulated post, appeared to position himself within the unfolding political calculations while projecting what he described as a likely “battle of the titans” in 2027 between Atiku and the incumbent president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his commentary, Momodu argued that the 2027 election would largely be shaped by a two-horse race, though he acknowledged the possibility of a third political force emerging. However, he insisted that such a movement would likely lack the strength to displace the dominant contenders.

“It promises to be the battle of the Titans. A third force, hopefully, may show up, like it did in 2023, but not with enough fire power and tenacity to upstage, and obliterate, the two elder statesmen,” Momodu wrote, referencing his recent engagement with Atiku in Abuja.

The reference to a “third force” has been interpreted by some political observers as a subtle nod to the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who came third in the last general election behind Atiku and Tinubu.

Although Atiku has yet to formally announce a running mate since securing the ADC presidential ticket roughly two weeks ago, Momodu used the opportunity to outline what he described as a need for a new political direction—one that bridges generational and ideological divides in Nigerian politics.

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He urged the ADC to move away from conventional political structures and instead embrace a blend of “old and modern, conservative and cosmopolitan” influences, arguing that such a mix would strengthen governance and national cohesion.

Momodu further suggested that a partnership between himself and Atiku would represent a unifying ticket capable of bridging Nigeria’s regional divides.

“There’s no better combination than this duo, assuring a colorful blend. The North and the South will reunite in a game of ethnic & religious rivalries,” he stated.

He warned that Nigeria’s current political tensions were becoming increasingly dangerous, adding that failure to address them could have severe consequences for national stability.

“The present combustive tensions, and absolute chaos, cannot be allowed to continue. It will consume all of us,” he wrote, calling for a return to issue-based politics anchored on ideology and nation-building.

Momodu also referenced Nigeria’s founding political figures, including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, noting that although they were not perfect, they laid the foundation for more structured political engagement than what currently exists.

He concluded by describing the present political atmosphere as increasingly divisive, warning against what he termed “gangsterism” in politics, and stressing the need for stronger bridges across regional and ideological lines before it is too late.

The development has continued to fuel speculation within political circles about whether Momodu’s comments were merely aspirational or an indication of ongoing negotiations within the ADC camp ahead of the 2027 elections.