According to a report by Daily Post on June 1, 206, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has pushed back against recent remarks made by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, concerning former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing the comments as difficult to understand and lacking a coherent basis.
Momodu’s reaction comes amid ongoing political discussions and growing debate over opposition politics, party alignments, and the future of Nigeria’s leadership ahead of the next electoral cycle. The comments by Lawal had generated considerable attention within political circles, prompting responses from several stakeholders and supporters of various political interests.
Speaking on the controversy, Momodu questioned the rationale behind some of the criticisms directed at Atiku, particularly references to the former vice president’s ethnic background.
He argued that ethnicity should not be used as a basis for judging a political leader and maintained that belonging to a particular ethnic group does not constitute a fault or political liability.
The veteran journalist and former presidential aspirant expressed concern that discussions surrounding political leadership were increasingly being framed around identity rather than competence, experience, and national service. According to him, political discourse should focus on issues that affect governance and development rather than factors such as ethnicity.
Momodu further suggested that Lawal’s remarks had left many observers uncertain about the exact message being conveyed. He stated that when evaluating public statements, Nigerians should pay close attention not only to what is being said but also to the context, motivations, and circumstances surrounding such comments.
According to the ADC chieftain, public figures often make political statements that reflect broader strategic interests, making it important for citizens to critically assess the intent behind controversial remarks.
In defending Atiku Abubakar, Momodu highlighted what he described as the former vice president’s longstanding engagement with people from diverse ethnic, religious, and regional backgrounds across Nigeria. He argued that Atiku’s political and personal relationships over the years demonstrate a commitment to national integration and inclusiveness.
The media entrepreneur pointed to Atiku’s associations with individuals from various parts of the country as evidence that he cannot reasonably be portrayed as someone confined by ethnic or regional considerations. According to Momodu, the former vice president’s career in public service and business has brought him into close contact with people from different communities, helping him build relationships that transcend traditional political divisions.
As part of his defense, Momodu referenced Atiku’s long-term professional relationship with an Igbo medical practitioner who has reportedly served as his personal physician for many years. He cited this as one example of the former vice president’s openness to working with individuals regardless of their ethnic origin.
The ADC stalwart went on to describe Atiku as one of Nigeria’s most widely connected political figures, arguing that his influence and relationships extend across the country’s major regions and demographic groups. In his view, Atiku’s background and experience make him one of the most nationally integrated personalities in Nigerian politics.
Momodu also questioned why Atiku’s Fulani identity had become a subject of criticism in some quarters. He maintained that no Nigerian should be condemned or judged negatively because of their ethnic heritage, emphasizing that national unity requires respect for the country’s cultural diversity.
According to him, it is contradictory for some critics to simultaneously portray Atiku as deeply rooted in one ethnic identity while others associate him closely with different parts of the country. He argued that such conflicting narratives highlight the inconsistencies in some of the attacks directed at the former vice president….Read_More…