MOMODU: ATIKU DOESN’T HAVE DOLLARS TO SWAY ADC PRIMARY DELEGATES
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has dismissed claims that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would use money to unduly influence the party’s presidential primary.
The Ovation Magazine publisher made the remarks on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme, addressing concerns about how the party would manage the presidential ambitions of its top figures ahead of the primary election.
Momodu clarified that campaign funding should not be mistaken for bribery, explaining that money is primarily needed for legitimate campaign logistics and election-day operations.
“It’s not just about money. When we talk about money, there are logistics. We’re not talking about bribing,” he said.
Citing the 2024 U.S. presidential election as an example, Momodu noted that raising substantial campaign funds does not guarantee victory. “Even in America, Kamala Harris outperformed Donald Trump in fundraising, with over a billion dollars to spend. She still didn’t win,” he stated.
He further explained that campaign funds are essential for ensuring election security, rather than influencing delegates. “On election day, you need to manage every polling booth, make sure nobody can tamper with or steal your votes. That’s what we mean by money,” Momodu added.
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On speculation about Atiku’s financial capacity, Momodu noted that the former vice president does not control state resources like some other political figures. “Atiku is a businessman. He has been a businessman since leaving power in 2007. He does not control any state in Nigeria,” he said.
He contrasted Atiku’s position with other political figures, stating, “Asiwaju controls at least Lagos, and Wike controls Rivers. They can do and undo in their states.”
Momodu dismissed suggestions that Atiku could bribe delegates with billions of dollars, emphasizing that strategic planning, rather than money, secured Atiku’s victory in the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2022 primary against Nyesom Wike.
“Atiku doesn’t have that kind of money; he’s been managing his businesses. So where would he get billions to bribe delegates? That’s why strategy outsmarted Wike, leaving him inconsolable. Till today, Wike has not recovered because he was confident nobody could match him dollar for dollar,” Momodu said.
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