Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, has criticised Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, over his recent remarks targeting members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Momodu described Baba-Ahmed as “an aggrieved person,” likening his posture to that of “a jilted lover.”

Speaking on Sunrise Daily (Channels Television) on Thursday, Momodu reacted to Baba-Ahmed’s declaration of interest in the 2027 presidential election, during which he referred to ADC members as “disgruntled politicians” and some former Labour Party members who defected to the ADC as “political travellers.”

Momodu expressed surprise at Baba-Ahmed’s tone, noting that politics should not be shaped by personal grievances or emotional reactions.

“He has a right to say anything, but I am very, very surprised about how he talks down on other politicians,” Momodu said, affirming Baba-Ahmed’s right to contest the presidency but emphasizing that the political landscape has significantly changed since the last election.

He suggested that Baba-Ahmed’s criticism of the ADC stems from frustration over unmet political expectations within the coalition.

“And the reason he is aggrieved is that he goes and pursues his own dreams and knows that, in that coalition, it is not likely,” Momodu said.

Describing Baba-Ahmed’s reaction as emotional, Momodu added, “I’m not bothered at all. He is an aggrieved person; he’s like a jilted lover. He ran with Peter Obi the last time; he would expect to run again, but they should not turn themselves into serial contestants.”

Momodu further cautioned against narrow political calculations, emphasizing that leadership ambition should consider the broader national interest. He cited former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s 2019 decision to pick Peter Obi as running mate as an example of political foresight.

“Elections are a game of mathematics,” Momodu concluded, urging politicians to align with platforms capable of delivering results at the polls.