Nigerian journalist and opposition politician, Dele Momodu, has warned that the country is sliding back into authoritarian rule under civilian leadership. Momodu made these remarks during a live appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday.
He said the signs of democratic erosion are clear and deeply troubling. Speaking ahead of the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, he remarked, “I’m very happy that today coincides with the lead-up to June 12, so that if we still have any iota of conscience left, we’ll realise we have damaged this democracy.”
He added, “On the eve of June 12, Nigeria is virtually back to civilian dictators who don’t care how you feel or what you think. Nigerians are hungry.”
Political Leaders Accused of Ignoring the People
Momodu criticised political leaders across all levels—executive, legislative, and local government—for being disconnected from the people. He said many Nigerians are struggling to feed and live with dignity, while elected officials continue to act with bold disregard.
“We’ve damaged this democracy, and I hope we’ve not damaged it beyond repair,” he said. “The audacity, the effrontery of this set of politicians, whether in the executive, legislature, or local government, is totally unbelievable.”
He added that those who fought and died during the June 12 struggle would be disappointed if they could see the state of things today. “All those who suffered for this democracy, especially those who are now in heaven—if they can see us, they would be crying.”
Wike Accused of Hijacking PDP and Disrupting Rivers State
Turning to his own party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Momodu blamed the internal crisis on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He claimed Wike is controlling the party from behind the scenes and attempting to decide its direction, especially ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Momodu questioned Wike’s political history. “Where was Wike during the June 12 struggle? Who knew him then? But today, he speaks as if he’s the founding father of Nigeria,” he said.
He also condemned the role Wike played in the recent political crisis in Rivers State, saying his refusal to step aside quietly led to a breakdown of order.
“A major crisis of monumental dimension was orchestrated and aggravated by one man,” Momodu said. “Just because he wouldn’t go away quietly, a state of emergency had to be declared. It’s unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.”
He accused Wike of launching a political coup against the PDP. “What he’s doing now is tantamount to staging a coup against the party that made him everything he is today. He does not have the moral right to dictate the direction of the PDP.”
Momodu Slams Tinubu’s ‘Busybodies’ Remark
Momodu also reacted to President Bola Tinubu’s remarks at the reopening of the Abuja International Conference Centre, where Tinubu reportedly referred to some Nigerians as “busybodies” and “bystanders.”
He found the comments disrespectful and tone-deaf. “I listened to the President refer to concerned Nigerians as ‘busybodies’ and ‘bystanders.’ Who is a bystander in his own country?” he questioned.
He expressed frustration over what he described as Wike’s undue influence in the current administration. “Wike was dancing after commissioning a centre said to have cost over ₦30 billion. Right now, it feels like we have two presidents in Nigeria.”
Despite the turmoil in the PDP, Momodu made it clear he would not join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He said, “If I wanted to join the APC, I wouldn’t be speaking to you like this. I’d be giving excuses, like the rest.”
He added that his conscience could not allow him to remain in a party where one man has unchecked control. “My soul is out of PDP—I cannot sit in a room where one man dictates to adults who have served Nigeria all their lives.”
In conclusion, Momodu issued a strong warning that Nigeria risks sliding into autocracy unless urgent political reforms are made. He said, “PDP is part of its own problem, no doubt. But people like Wike, doing what they do with impunity, are taking us dangerously backwards.”
Rate, Like 👍, Comment, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
