Babachir confused, envious of Atiku – Dele Momodu

Publisher and politician, Dele Momodu, has dismissed former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal’s attack on the African Democratic Congress presidential primary, saying he sounded confused and may be envious of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Momodu spoke on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he reacted to Lawal’s claim that the ADC presidential primary was rigged in Atiku’s favour.

Lawal had resigned from the ADC after alleging that the party’s presidential primary was manipulated and did not reflect a credible democratic process.

But Momodu rejected the allegation, saying Lawal had failed to provide evidence to back his claims.

“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?”

Momodu said Lawal’s resignation would not weaken the ADC or damage Atiku’s political chances ahead of the 2027 election.

He also defended Atiku’s record, describing him as a successful private citizen who does not depend on government resources.

“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 suggested that Lawal’s criticism may have been driven by personal resentment rather than genuine concern about the primary.

“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 ADC chieftain also dismissed concerns about Atiku’s age, saying age should not be used to disqualify anyone from leadership if they are still mentally and physically capable.

“As long as God has given you life, age should not be a problem. Donald Trump and Atiku are in the same age range,” he 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 come amid rising tension within the ADC following the party’s presidential primary, which Atiku won.

Lawal has continued to insist that the process was not transparent, but Atiku’s camp and supporters have rejected the allegation, saying no evidence has been presented to prove that the exercise was manipulated.