“Atiku is the only one in Nigeria not afraid of Tinubu,” Dele Momodu alleged

By Emmanuel Kwada

In a provocative statement that has set tongues wagging across Nigeria’s political landscape, veteran journalist and political commentator Dele Momodu has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the sole figure unafraid to confront President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking on a recent podcast, Momodu asserted, “Atiku is the only person that’s not afraid of Tinubu, every other person cannot face him, including Mr. Peter Obi that was used by Atiku,” reigniting debates about power dynamics and alliances in Nigerian politics.

Momodu’s bold claim, made during a candid discussion on the podcast, paints Atiku as a singular force willing to take on Tinubu’s formidable influence.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the sole figure unafraid to confront President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The statement also casts a shadow over Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, suggesting that his political ascent was orchestrated by Atiku, a narrative that has sparked both intrigue and controversy.

Obi, who ran alongside Atiku as his vice-presidential candidate in the 2019 election under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has since emerged as a prominent figure in his own right, galvanizing a massive youth-led movement in the 2023 elections.

The remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s political scene remains fiercely competitive, with Tinubu’s administration facing mounting scrutiny over economic challenges and governance.

Atiku, a perennial presidential contender and Tinubu’s long-time rival, has consistently positioned himself as a counterweight to the current president, leveraging his experience and political machinery to maintain relevance. Momodu’s assertion amplifies this rivalry, framing Atiku as uniquely fearless in a landscape where others, including Obi, allegedly falter.

Social media platforms, particularly X, have buzzed with reactions to Momodu’s statement. Posts circulating today, March 09, 2025, echo his words, with some users amplifying the claim while others question its implications. However, the sentiment on X remains inconclusive, reflecting a mix of support for Atiku’s tenacity and skepticism about Obi’s independence.

Momodu, known for his sharp political insights and close ties to Nigeria’s elite, did not mince words in the podcast, hinting at a deeper narrative of manipulation and courage—or lack thereof—in the opposition’s ranks. While he offered no specific evidence to substantiate his claim about Obi being “used,” the comment has fueled speculation about past alliances and their impact on the 2023 election, where Obi’s unexpected surge challenged both Tinubu and Atiku.

As Nigeria edges closer to another election cycle, Momodu’s statement underscores the enduring tension between these political heavyweights. Whether Atiku’s boldness will translate into a tangible challenge against Tinubu remains to be seen, but for now, the spotlight is firmly on him—alone, fearless, and unrelenting, if Momodu is to be believed.