Nigerian journalist and publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of employing heavy-handed tactics to coerce opposition figures into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, April 23, Momodu asserted that fear, rather than ideological alignment or genuine loyalty, was the primary driver behind the increasing wave of defections to the APC.
“I’m not surprised, Okowa’s defection isn’t shocking given the recent harassment he faced,” he remarked.
Momodu was referring to former Delta State governor and 2023 vice-presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ifeanyi Okowa, who announced his defection to the APC earlier this week, alongside Delta State governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Senator Kawu Sumaila of Kano South also defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Momodu, President Tinubu’s administration is more focused on intimidating the opposition than engaging in persuasive governance.
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“For me, it’s clear that this government’s strategy is, ‘if we can’t persuade you, we’ll force you.’ And for now, that force appears to be working. But politics can change in 24 hours,” he cautioned.
He also lamented the declining spirit of political resilience in Nigeria, drawing comparisons with iconic African figures.
“We once admired the likes of Nelson Mandela, MKO Abiola, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo for enduring detention in the name of principle. These days, nobody wants to go to detention, Everybody wants to stay at home and talk about the money they’ve made from politics,” he said.
Momodu alleged that nearly every prominent politician has been harassed at some point by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), suggesting this is being used as a tool of coercion.
He also slammed the internal instability of the APC, stating, “The APC is in more trouble than any other political party in Nigeria. The only thing holding it together right now is the access to resources they have to share.”
He added that despite blaming former President Muhammadu Buhari for Nigeria’s troubles for nearly two years, the APC is now attempting to reconcile with him.
“Whether he accepts their efforts or not doesn’t matter much to me,” he said.
Momodu further alleged that governors are being threatened into aligning with the APC: “They’re being told behind the scenes, ‘If you support us, we’ll leave you alone. If you don’t, we’ll make life difficult for you.’ That’s the reality of the current political climate.”
Citing the recent suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Momodu claimed it was a deliberate message to discourage dissent.
“Rivers State was peaceful, yet Fubara was suddenly removed in a swift and aggressive move orchestrated by a minister in Abuja, Nyesom Wike. Nothing happened afterward — no consequences. That sent a message, and now everyone is taking note,” he said.
In a final word of caution, Momodu urged President Tinubu to uphold democratic principles rather than resort to coercive methods in a bid to secure a second term.
“Tinubu was once a pro-democracy icon. He must now allow democracy to thrive in Nigeria, or he risks facing deep regret later in life.”
