Dele Momodu, renowned journalist and publisher of Ovation Magazine, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu is relying on intimidation to swell the ranks of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than genuine political support.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television, Momodu claimed that the increasing number of defections from opposition parties to the APC is largely driven by fear rather than any admiration for Tinubu’s leadership style or achievements.
“I’m not surprised about it (Okowa’s defection)—he’s been under serious harassment in recent times; it’s nothing new,” Momodu said.
READ ALSO: Breaking: Oborevwori dumps PDP for APC in strategic political shift
“What would surprise me is if President Bola Tinubu truly believes people are joining the APC because they love him or because he is doing fantastically well.”
He emphasized that the defections are not acts of political conviction but calculated decisions to avoid persecution.
“What people are doing now is a game of survival; gone are the days when we used to boast that going to prison made one a martyr.
“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 — name one politician who has not been harassed by either the EFCC or the ICPC at some point.”
Breakingng.com had on Wednesday reported that the Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speculation is also rife that Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of the state and PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, is preparing to follow suit.
In a video that has been widely circulated on social media, Okowa said: “Be assured that we will not go in the wrong direction. We will take the best direction, the best path for our people.”
The APC also secured the defection of Senator Kawu Sumaila from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), strengthening its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Momodu, a chieftain of the PDP, criticized what he described as a calculated attempt by the Tinubu administration to consolidate political power by leveraging fear and coercion, rather than engaging in persuasive democratic dialogue.
“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 said.
He did not spare the APC from criticism, describing it as a party plagued by internal conflicts and held together only by the distribution of state resources.
“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 said. “But beneath that surface, there are serious problems. For nearly two years, APC members have blamed former President Buhari for the country’s issues. “Now, the same party is running back to Kaduna, trying to appease him. Whether he accepts their efforts or not doesn’t matter much to me.”
He further alleged that governors across the country are being coerced behind closed doors to align with the APC or face repercussions.
“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,” he said. “And honestly, I don’t blame the governors. What choice do they have?”
Referencing the crisis in Rivers State, Momodu said the abrupt suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara served as a stern warning to others who might dare to oppose the federal government.
“Rivers State was peaceful, yet Fubara was suddenly removed in a swift and aggressive move orchestrated by a minister in Abuja, Nyesom Wike,” he said.
“Nothing happened afterward — no consequences. That sent a message, and now everyone is taking note.“ If that isn’t coercion, then what is? What exactly was Fubara’s offense that warranted such a response? Now we hear he’s negotiating with them. That’s his choice. I’m not concerned with who he negotiates with.”
Momodu concluded by advising President Tinubu to focus on sustaining Nigeria’s democratic institutions rather than using underhanded tactics to secure his political future.
He reminded the president of his own roots in pro-democracy struggles and urged him not to betray those ideals.He warned that failure to uphold democratic principles may come back to haunt the president in the long run.
, rather than genuine political support.){kind=link}