Publisher and politician Dele Momodu has revealed that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi once told him he was more popular than former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during discussions ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Momodu made the claim during a recent political commentary, where he reflected on behind-the-scenes conversations involving key opposition figures in the build-up to the election.

According to him, Obi expressed strong confidence in his growing political support base at the time, suggesting that his popularity among younger voters and urban populations placed him ahead of other major contenders.

The statement has since generated reactions across political circles, with supporters of both Obi and Atiku weighing in on social media and public discussions. Some argue that Obi’s 2023 election performance showed significant grassroots support, while others insist that Atiku’s long-standing political structure and experience remain unmatched.

Momodu, who was involved in coalition discussions during the election period, said the comment reflected the intensity of political negotiations and competing perceptions of strength among candidates at the time.

Political analysts note that such revelations highlight the competitive nature of opposition politics in 2023, where multiple candidates vied for influence and voter appeal in a tightly contested race.

As reactions continue, the comment has further reignited debates about political popularity, election dynamics, and shifting voter behaviour in Nigeria’s democratic space.