Former presidential aspirant and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Dele Momodu, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold democratic principles and avoid steering Nigeria toward authoritarianism.
Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, Momodu addressed the recent wave of defections from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), including those of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy Monday Onyeme, and former governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
“My advice to him [Tinubu] is simple: uphold our democratic tenets. Don’t turn Nigeria into a democratic dictatorship,” Momodu said. “No matter what happens, you were a pro-democracy advocate before becoming president. Please, allow democracy to breathe. If not, I fear it may become a regrettable chapter in our nation’s history.”
Momodu said Okowa’s defection did not come as a surprise to him, noting that the former governor had been facing significant pressure and intimidation in recent times.
“What would surprise me,” he added, “is if President Tinubu truly believes these defections are happening because people love him or because he’s doing exceptionally well. That’s far from the truth.”
He also warned Tinubu against placing blind trust in political defectors, claiming that their loyalty may be driven more by survival than support for his leadership.
“It’s clear he’s focused on securing a second term,” Momodu said. “But he must remember—God granted him the first term, not coercion. So why now resort to force to ensure a second?”
