A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dele Momodu, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s deteriorating democratic environment, warning that the country is dangerously veering towards a civilian dictatorship.
Speaking on Wednesday on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, the former presidential aspirant of the party lamented the steady erosion of democratic principles, particularly in the build-up to this year’s Democracy Day.
“I’m very happy that today coincides with the lead-up to June 12 (Democracy Day), so that if we still have any iota of conscience left, we’ll realise we have damaged this democracy,” he said.
“The summary of it all is that 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.
“We’ve damaged this democracy, and I hope we’ve not damaged it beyond repair because the audacity, the effrontery of this set of politicians—whether in the executive, legislature, or local government-is unbelievable.”
Reflecting on the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists during the June 12 struggle, Momodu added: “All those who suffered for this democracy—especially those who are now in heaven—if they can see us, they would be crying.”
Wike is behaving like Nigeria’s founding father – Dele Momodu
Turning to the internal wrangling within the PDP, Momodu criticised the influence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of attempting to control the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
“It sounds ridiculous that one man, who should be busy in Abuja, is dictating where the PDP presidential ticket should go in 2027. What Wike is doing is a rehash of what he did in Rivers State—and he is doing so with the backing of those at the top,” Momodu stated.
He questioned Wike’s democratic credentials, saying: “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.”
Commenting on the recent political turmoil in Rivers State, Momodu suggested that Wike’s refusal to relinquish control led to an unprecedented state of emergency declaration.
“A major crisis of monumental dimension was orchestrated and aggravated by one man. Just because he wouldn’t go away quietly, a state of emergency had to be declared. It’s unprecedented in Nigeria’s history,” he remarked.
He accused Wike of effectively hijacking the PDP through backdoor politics: “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.”
Slams Tinubu over ‘busybodies’ remark
Momodu also took a swipe at President Bola Tinubu over his remarks during Tuesday’s commissioning of the refurbished Abuja International Conference Centre.
“I listened to the President refer to concerned Nigerians as ‘busybodies’ and ‘bystanders.’ Who is a bystander in his own country? All because of one man—Wike,” he said.
“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.”
Meanwhile, despite the PDP’s internal divisions, Dele Momodu firmly rejected the idea of defecting to the ruling APC, a route several PDP governors have taken.
“If I wanted to join the APC, I wouldn’t be speaking to you like this. I’d be giving excuses, like the rest. But 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,” Momodu declared.
Dele Momodu warned that unless urgent reforms are made to strengthen Nigeria’s political system and restore true democratic values, the country risks slipping further into authoritarian rule.
“PDP is part of its own problem, no doubt. But people like Wike, doing what they do with impunity, are taking us dangerously backwards.
