Dele Momodu Warns of Civilian Dictatorship in Nigeria

Dele Momodu, a two-time presidential aspirant and prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed grave concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the country is sliding into civilian dictatorship.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Momodu lamented the erosion of democratic values, especially as Nigeria prepares to commemorate Democracy Day.

He stated, “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.”

Momodu criticized elected officials and government institutions for their disregard for the people, accusing leaders of acting with “audacity” and “effrontery” in their governance.

A Damaged Democracy
The PDP chieftain expressed fears that Nigeria’s democracy may have been irreparably damaged. “We’ve damaged this democracy, and I hope it’s not beyond repair,” he said. He further noted that those who sacrificed their lives during the June 12 struggle for democracy would be heartbroken if they could witness the current state of the nation.

“All those who suffered for this democracy, especially those who are now in heaven—if they can see us, they would be crying,” he added.

Crisis in the PDP
Momodu accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of deepening the crisis within the PDP. He claimed that Wike’s actions were creating chaos within the party and described them as a “coup.”

“It’s ridiculous that one man, who should be busy in Abuja, is dictating where the PDP presidential ticket should go in 2027,” he said, adding, “What Wike is doing now is tantamount to staging a coup against the party that made him everything he is today.”

Momodu also criticized Wike’s role in Rivers State, blaming him for creating a monumental crisis that led to the declaration of a state of emergency.

Response to Tinubu’s Comments
Reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s remarks at the reopening of the Abuja International Conference Centre, where Tinubu referred to some Nigerians as “busybodies” and “bystanders,” Momodu expressed his disapproval.

“Who is a bystander in his own country?” he asked, adding that Wike’s actions have created a situation where “it feels like we have two presidents in Nigeria.”

No Plans to Join APC
Despite the challenges in the PDP, Momodu reaffirmed his commitment to the party and dismissed any possibility of joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“If I wanted to join the APC, I wouldn’t be speaking to you like this. 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,” he stated.

In his concluding remarks, Momodu warned that Nigeria is dangerously veering toward autocracy unless urgent steps are taken to reform the political system. He added, “PDP is part of its own problem, no doubt. But people like Wike, doing what they do with impunity, are taking us dangerously backwards.”