“Atiku Doesn’t Have 1% of Tinubu’s Campaign Funds” – ADC Chieftain Claims

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar lacks the financial strength to match President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Momodu made the remark during an appearance on Politics Today, a current affairs programme aired on Channels Television on Sunday.

During the interview, the publisher and politician spoke about the political atmosphere in Nigeria and the growing debate around the strength of opposition parties.

According to him, the financial resources available to the ruling camp place opposition figures at a disadvantage as the next election cycle approaches.

Momodu stated that Atiku does not possess the financial backing required to rival the incumbent president in terms of campaign funding.

“I will describe this moment as being worse than that of the Abacha government. Many people are worried that we now have virtually a one-party state.

“Atiku does not have 1 per cent of Tinubu’s war chest. No, he doesn’t have it. You can imagine how much Tinubu can generate from Lagos State alone, not to talk of national. And when you have an absolute ruler, everything is available to him,” he said.

He also expressed concern about what he described as a shrinking opposition space in Nigeria. Momodu compared the present political climate to the period of former military ruler Sani Abacha, saying the country was gradually moving toward a situation where one party dominates the political structure.

Despite his long-standing relationship with President Tinubu, the ADC chieftain insisted that his support for Atiku was driven by his belief in the need for a strong opposition to sustain Nigeria’s democracy.

Responding to speculation about his loyalty, Momodu dismissed claims that he might eventually switch allegiance or betray the former vice president.

“It’s easier for me to move to Tinubu than to move to Atiku. I’m one million times closer to Tinubu than to Atiku. In fact, people were telling Atiku that Dele is Tinubu’s spy till today. Don’t trust him.

“Dele is part of Tinubu’s strategy. He’s using him to spy on you. But there is nothing to spy on. I have not attended any secret private meeting without Atiku.

“So, if I’m with Atiku. That should show you that we are people who have a genuine interest in the country. I believe there must be opposition politics and candidates. But Tinubu wants to contest against himself. And it doesn’t make sense to me.”

Momodu further rejected suggestions that opposition politicians are intimidated by the president. According to him, the real concern within the political class is the growing hardship faced by Nigerians and the possible reaction of the public.