Veteran journalist and ADC chieftain Dele Momodu has defended the age and leadership credentials of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, arguing that age should not be used as a basis for disqualifying candidates from public office.
According to a video posted on the official YouTube channel of Channels Television on Monday, June 1, 2026, Momodu made the remarks while responding to concerns about Atiku’s age and suitability for the 2027 presidential election.
During the interview, Momodu dismissed arguments that Nigeria should automatically reject older political figures. He maintained that leadership should be judged by competence, experience, and capacity to deliver results rather than by age alone.
To support his position, he pointed to examples of elderly leaders who have continued to play significant roles in governance around the world. He stated, “Donald Trump and Atiku are in the same age range, and the current President of Liberia is over 80 years old.”
Momodu argued that several countries have entrusted leadership responsibilities to older statesmen and women who have remained effective in office. He noted that age does not necessarily diminish a person’s ability to govern or contribute meaningfully to national development.
The ADC chieftain further stressed that what should matter to voters is a candidate’s vision, track record, and commitment to democratic principles. He urged Nigerians to focus on competence and leadership qualities when evaluating those seeking public office ahead of future elections.
