A fresh political controversy has erupted following a sharp exchange between Dele Momodu, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 Labour Party vice-presidential candidate. The dispute centres on the presidential ambition of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 election.
Age Versus Vision: The Core of the Dispute
The conflict ignited after Datti Baba-Ahmed criticised Atiku Abubakar for his continued interest in contesting the presidency, suggesting that Nigeria needed a new generation of leaders. He notably questioned the duration of Atiku's political aspirations, referencing his bids dating back to his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) days.
In a swift and pointed reaction on Friday, January 9, 2026, Dele Momodu took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle, @DeleMomodu, to challenge Baba-Ahmed's stance. The publisher of Ovation magazine posed a series of six direct questions, fundamentally arguing that age does not disqualify vision or personal political aspirations.
Momodu's Six-Point Counterattack
In his social media post, Momodu demanded to know if being old automatically means one is no longer good or visionary. He emphasised that age should not bar anyone from their dreams. Momodu further questioned what made the Labour Party chieftain superior to Atiku, highlighting the former Vice-President's establishment of the American University of Nigeria and his extensive political experience.
"Can a man donate his personal dreams to you just because you're younger?" Momodu asked pointedly. He also pressed Baba-Ahmed on why he couldn't appreciate and support Atiku's doggedness, given that the PDP stalwart is more formidable and has built political structures over decades.
Nigerians React to the Political Spat
The online exchange quickly drew reactions from Nigerians, revealing deep political divisions. Some users, like @RealQueenBee__, accused Momodu of being a mole within opposition circles. Others, such as @FadaChristmas_, stated their unwavering support for Peter Obi regardless of the party he represents.
Another user, @OnunakuDr, countered Momodu's arguments by stressing the need for a vibrant and energetic hands-on leader and reminding him of the existing political principle of rotational presidency, asserting it was still the South's turn until 2031.
This debate occurs against the backdrop of Datti Baba-Ahmed's recent comments expressing doubts about Peter Obi's chances of securing the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for 2027. Baba-Ahmed has reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, describing some ADC members as architects of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The public clash between Momodu and Baba-Ahmed underscores the ongoing strategic manoeuvring and internal debates within Nigeria's opposition camps as the country gradually approaches the next general election cycle.
