Atiku opposition coalition threat worries APC, says Dele Momodu. Ongoing smear tactics prove rising fear within ruling party ranks over strong opposition
Veteran journalist and former presidential hopeful Dele Momodu has claimed the Atiku opposition coalition threat is causing panic within the All Progressives Congress-led government.
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In a bold appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Momodu described the wave of attacks on Atiku Abubakar as a desperate move by those who feel endangered by the former Vice President’s influence.
According to him, the scale and consistency of the smear campaign reflect the APC’s deep-rooted fear. “The moment you see people waving a campaign of calumny against Atiku, you know that they feel threatened by him,” Momodu stated during the programme.
He went on to defend Atiku’s long-standing commitment to politics, highlighting his independent rise without major state backing.
“Since 1993, when he stepped down for my adopted father, Atiku has been pursuing his ambition without having any State governor to give him money,” Momodu asserted. “He has been running his business, investing in education and agriculture.”
Momodu praised Atiku’s personal conduct and leadership style, contrasting it with the kind of politics often seen in Nigeria.
“You will never find a thug in front of Atiku’s house. Atiku will never call us to find someone in INEC to rig on his behalf. For me, these are things I appreciate about him and it’s my right to say those things.”
He acknowledged the strength and credibility of the emerging opposition coalition. Expressing admiration for other prominent figures, Momodu singled out Peter Obi as another viable leader within the alliance.
Despite being an open admirer of Atiku, Momodu expressed openness to a democratic process that allows the best candidate to lead the coalition.
“I have never asked anyone not to support Obi. Obi is my very good friend,” he revealed. “Today, if you ask me who to lead the coalition, it would be Obi.”
He emphasised the need for transparency and inclusion within the coalition. “Let them all go to the field. Let Obidients campaign for Obi, Atikulates campaign for Atiku, and let the Amaechis campaign for Amaechi. That is my belief and I don’t think anything is wrong with that.”
While referencing past political formations, he described the present coalition as far more organic and grassroots-driven than the APC’s formation.
“This time around, it’s a movement,” Momodu said passionately. “You can see the tsunami is starting already and I’m very proud of the coalition.”
His remarks are seen by analysts as a direct challenge to the APC’s image of control, and they reinforce growing public perception that the ruling party is losing grip ahead of upcoming electoral contests.
The Atiku opposition coalition threat is not only political but psychological, according to observers who believe APC’s reactions reflect internal panic.
Momodu’s message was clear: Atiku’s clean record, years of political persistence, and public investments are legitimate reasons for concern among APC stakeholders.
But he also made room for a bigger picture. His call for an open contest within the opposition signals a maturity that Nigeria’s democracy is often accused of lacking.
With the Atiku opposition coalition threat gathering pace, the months ahead may prove decisive. Political watchers say a united and credible opposition could change the tide in what has long been a one-sided political narrative.
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For now, all eyes remain on how this coalition solidifies and whether it can genuinely unsettle the APC’s hold on power.
