PDP 2022 Presidential Primary: “One of the Aspirants Paid $30,000 Per Delegate, and We Had 774 Delegates” – Dele Momodu

Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation Magazine, has expressed regret over his participation in the 2022 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary, revealing that he spent about N50 million to purchase the nomination form. In a recent interview on Eden Oasis, Momodu shared his disillusionment with the highly monetized nature of the primary, revealing that one of the aspirants had paid each of the 774 delegates a sum of $30,000.

Reflecting on his experience, Momodu stated that he would not seek the presidential ticket of any political party unless he is chosen as a consensus candidate. He acknowledged the harsh realities of Nigerian politics, saying that there are powerful forces, or “principalities,” that control the country’s political landscape. “Unless a major political party decides to adopt me, where you have a consensus of people who say Dele Momodu is best suited to lead Nigeria, I will consider it,” he explained.

The journalist turned politician emphasized the challenges of competing with well-funded candidates who have the ability to spend vast sums of money. He shared that despite spending N50 million on the PDP nomination form, he did not secure a single vote in the primary, citing the overwhelming influence of money in the process. “One of the candidates paid as much as $30,000 per delegate, and we had 774 delegates. How do you want to compete with them?” he questioned, adding that such wealth is often hidden and untraceable, making it difficult for ordinary candidates to compete.

Momodu also criticized the state of Nigerian politics, describing how some politicians, especially those from oil-rich regions, are able to use their wealth to manipulate the system. He lamented the country’s reliance on cash transactions, with politicians able to access vast amounts of untraceable money.

In the 2022 PDP primary, Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s presidential candidate, securing 371 votes, while his closest rival, Nyesom Wike, garnered 237 votes. Other contenders like Bukola Saraki, Bala Mohammed, Udom Emmanuel, and Pius Anyim received varying amounts of support, with Momodu, alongside Sam Ohuabunwa and Ayodele Fayose, receiving no votes at all.