Dele Momodu, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose for urging ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar not to run in the 2027 presidential election.
Fayose had recently called on Abubakar to step aside and let younger candidates lead the party in the next general election, pointing out that the former vice president would be 81 years old by 2027, an age he considered too advanced for the presidency.
In response, Momodu, a former presidential aspirant himself, dismissed the argument that age alone should determine who runs for office.
Read Also: Why Atiku Should Stay Away From Contesting Elections – Fayose
He argued that age is neither a qualification nor a disqualification in politics, emphasizing that only God and destiny would decide if Abubakar’s long-held presidential ambition would be fulfilled.
He also pointed to U.S. leaders like President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump as examples of politicians who attained the presidency at an advanced age.
He said: “What has been the impact of these younger people who said they have been in politics? Go and check their states.
“What have they done for the amount of money made available to them? Age cannot be an automatic qualification or disqualification in politics.
“It is up to God and destiny. I am a child of destiny, and that is why I have contentment. If Alhaji Atiku decides to run, good luck to him. If he doesn’t want to run, no problem. But for anybody to muzzle him… why are they afraid of him?,” Mr Momodu asked.
Read Also: What PDP Governors Told Factions To Do
On whether Mr Abubakar would be a threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, Mr Momodu said: “I’m sure they [Abubakar’s critics] believe so. I know those who believe that he is the only one right now.
“Abubakar will be a threat if he is able to galvanise a mega political party. He will be a threat,” Mr Momodu added.
The PDP chieftain said Mr Abubakar stands a chance in 2027 if the, “mood of the nation is overwhelmingly opposed to the current leader”.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
