Veteran journalist and publisher Chief Dele Momodu has issued a stark warning that Nigeria is rapidly sliding back to the dark days of the NADECO pro-democracy struggle against military rule, saying a “very quiet peaceful revolution” is quietly brewing across the country.
“At the rate we are going, we will soon be back to the NADECO days, I guarantee you that… a very quiet peaceful revolution is brewing in Nigeria. If it is mismanaged…” Momodu said in a recent statement that has sparked widespread debate.
NADECO, the National Democratic Coalition, was a prominent pro-democracy movement in the 1990s that fiercely opposed the military dictatorship of the late General Sani Abacha following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Momodu, who was himself exiled during that era and has a history of criticising successive governments, appeared to draw parallels between the current economic hardships, governance challenges and political tensions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the repressive atmosphere of the 1990s.
His comments come amid growing public frustration over soaring inflation, fuel subsidy removal fallout, naira volatility, widespread insecurity and accusations of authoritarian tendencies by the federal government.
Analysts say Momodu’s remarks reflect mounting discontent among sections of the Nigerian elite and civil society, who fear that continued mismanagement of the nation’s multiple crises could trigger widespread unrest or a decisive push for systemic change.
The media mogul and former presidential aspirant has in recent months repeatedly voiced concerns about what he describes as democratic backsliding, urging leaders to address the grievances of ordinary Nigerians before it is too late.
Neither the presidency nor the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued an official response to Momodu’s latest warning as of Monday.
His statement has ignited heated discussions on social media and in political circles, with some praising him for speaking truth to power while others accuse him of exaggerating the situation for political relevance
As Nigeria grapples with economic reforms and political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, Momodu’s cautionary words add to a chorus of voices calling for urgent course correction to prevent deeper instability.
