Veteran journalist and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Dele Momodu, has cautioned Nigerian politicians against being misled by personal ambition, stressing the importance of upholding democratic principles and transparency in governance.
Momodu made the remarks in response to comments by ADC Interim National Chairman, David Mark, who had urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step back from influencing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the matter of electronic transmission of election results.
In a post on his account, Momodu advised politicians not to allow anyone’s personal interest to lead them astray.
“Thank you, sir, our ADC Chairman, Brigadier General David Mark (rtd.), for your brilliant intervention. My personal advice to our politicians is: Don’t allow anyone’s personal ambition lead you to hell fire. Promote transparent democratic tenets and ideals,” he said.
This comes amid debates over the ongoing Electoral Act amendments, particularly the clause mandating real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units, a provision seen as key to ensuring election transparency.
Momodu also addressed his personal relationship with prominent politicians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Aminu Tambuwal, stressing that his allegiance lies with the ADC rather than any individual.
He revealed during an interview on News Central’s Politics HQ programme that he would fully support whichever candidate emerges as the party’s presidential nominee for the 2027 elections.
“I’m very close to every one of them. Peter Obi has been to my house in Lagos, London, and Accra. I have also been to his house in Lagos. We have mutual respect, but it’s not about who I want; my allegiance is to the party. If ADC decides to pick Peter Obi, I will support him fully. If it’s Tambuwal, Amaechi, or Atiku, I will support them too,” Momodu said.
Momodu also expressed concern over negative remarks about Atiku Abubakar, highlighting the former Vice President’s role in giving Peter Obi his first national platform as a running mate during the 2019 elections.
He emphasized that despite not winning, Atiku and Obi maintained a cordial and professional relationship, demonstrating political maturity.
“People should not forget that Atiku gave Peter Obi the first national platform. They are not enemies and interact all the time. Atiku is a perfect gentleman and a consummate Democrat who does not bear grudges,” Momodu added.
Momodu’s statements come at a critical moment in Nigeria’s political calendar, as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections. His call for politicians to prioritize democratic ideals over personal ambition aligns with ongoing debates over the Electoral Act amendment and the push for mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
By stressing party unity and respect among political figures, Momodu reinforces the need for credible, transparent elections and a commitment to democratic principles in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
