‘Lawal sounds confused’ — Momodu dismisses attack on Atiku

Publisher, politician and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dele Momodu, has strongly rejected allegations by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary was manipulated in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Momodu, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, described Lawal’s claims as unsubstantiated and suggested that the former SGF appeared confused about the issues he was raising.

His comments came in response to Lawal’s recent resignation from the ADC and subsequent criticism of the party’s presidential primary, which produced Atiku as the party’s flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Lawal had alleged that the exercise lacked transparency and did not reflect a credible democratic process, insisting that the outcome had been predetermined in favour of the former vice president.

However, Momodu dismissed the allegations, arguing that Lawal had failed to present any evidence to support his claims of electoral manipulation.

“I listened patiently to him. He sounded a bit confused about the subject matter,” Momodu said.

“He is a man above 70, so at what point did he realise that Atiku is what he is calling him? He said they rigged the election; why didn’t he come with documents?”

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The veteran journalist and politician maintained that serious allegations such as election rigging must be backed by verifiable facts rather than mere accusations.

According to him, Lawal’s decision to leave the ADC would have little or no impact on the party’s fortunes or Atiku’s political ambitions.

Momodu argued that Atiku remains one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures and possesses the experience and national reach required to remain a formidable contender in future elections.

Defending the former vice president’s record, Momodu described him as a successful businessman and private citizen who does not rely on government resources for his livelihood.

“Atiku does not live on government resources. He is a cosmopolitan Nigerian. He has never been investigated, prosecuted or convicted. He minds his business and does not control any state where he is collecting political dividends,” he said.

Momodu also questioned the motivation behind Lawal’s sustained criticism of Atiku, suggesting that personal resentment may be driving the attacks.

“Listening to him, I feel very sad. It is obvious to me now that someone like Babachir is probably envious of Atiku,” he added.

The PDP stalwart further weighed in on the recurring debate about Atiku’s age, dismissing concerns that the former vice president may be too old to seek the presidency.

According to him, age should not be used as a determining factor in assessing a leader’s suitability for office, provided the individual remains mentally sharp and physically capable of performing the responsibilities of leadership.

“As long as God has given you life, age should not be a problem. Donald Trump and Atiku are in the same age range,” Momodu said.

“The current President of Liberia is over 80 and doing very well. All over the world, older people are still achieving great things in leadership.”

Momodu’s remarks add to the growing political debate surrounding the ADC presidential primary, which has continued to generate controversy since Atiku’s emergence as the party’s candidate.

While Lawal has repeatedly maintained that the process was flawed and lacked transparency, Atiku’s supporters and allies have consistently rejected the allegations, insisting that no credible evidence has been produced to substantiate claims that the primary was manipulated.