Dele Momodu, prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and publisher of Ovation Magazine, has dismissed claims that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar might use money to manipulate the party’s presidential primary.

Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Morning Brief’ on Thursday, Momodu emphasized that campaign funding is meant for legitimate electoral logistics, not delegate inducement.

“It’s not just about money. Campaign funds cover logistics and election-day operations. We are not talking about bribery,” he said.

Using the 2024 U.S. presidential election as an example, Momodu highlighted that raising large sums does not guarantee victory. “Even Kamala Harris raised over a billion dollars but still did not win,” he noted.

He explained that campaign resources are primarily used to safeguard election integrity, ensuring votes are properly recorded and protected across polling stations.

On Atiku’s financial capacity, Momodu pointed out that, unlike some politicians who control state resources, Atiku has been a private businessman since leaving office in 2007 and does not command any Nigerian state.

“Atiku doesn’t have billions to bribe delegates. He has been managing his businesses, so where would he get such funds?” Momodu said. He added that strategy, rather than cash, secured Atiku’s win over Nyesom Wike in the 2022 PDP primary, leaving Wike unable to recover from the defeat.

Momodu concluded that effective campaign planning, not money, is what will shape ADC’s 2026 presidential primary.