Veteran journalist and political figure Dele Momodu has pushed back against growing criticism over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s reported interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election.
Momodu argued that concerns about Atiku’s age are not a valid reason to disqualify him from the race, insisting that experience should also count in leadership decisions.
His comments came after activist Zekeri Idris Jnr released a video urging Atiku to step aside for younger politicians, saying Nigeria needed a new generation of leadership and suggesting that voters may not support an older candidate in 2027.
Responding on social media, Momodu described the criticism as misplaced and said attention should be focused more on governance issues affecting the country rather than attacks on a single aspirant.
He also pointed to global examples of leaders who held high office at advanced ages, arguing that age alone does not determine performance in leadership roles. He mentioned figures such as Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Nelson Mandela, and others as cases where age did not prevent effective leadership.
Meanwhile, Idris had suggested that Atiku should instead support younger politicians like Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing them as better suited to lead Nigeria’s future.
Atiku, who previously contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party, is widely reported to be considering another presidential run in 2027, this time under the African Democratic Congress.
