By Suleiman Ibrahim
Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, has accused President Bola Tinubu of using coercive tactics to force opposition politicians into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Momodu asserted that recent high-profile defections, including those of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, are driven by fear, not genuine support for Tinubu.
“I’m not surprised about it—he’s been under serious harassment in recent times; it’s nothing new,” Momodu said, referring to Okowa. “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.”
He criticized the current political climate, stating, “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.”
Momodu alleged that the Tinubu administration’s strategy is “If we can’t persuade you, we’ll force you.” He also claimed that the APC is held together by access to resources, not internal unity. “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.
He further alleged that governors are being given ultimatums to either support the ruling party or face targeted attacks. “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,” Momodu said.
Citing the political turbulence in Rivers State, he argued that the situation sent a clear message to dissenters. “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. “If that isn’t coercion, then what is?”
Momodu urged Tinubu to prioritize democracy over securing a second term through coercion. “He should focus on upholding democracy, not securing a second term through coercive means,” Momodu said, reminding Tinubu of his past as a pro-democracy figure. “He must now allow democracy to thrive in Nigeria or risk facing deep regret later in life.”
