PEOPLE’S Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has voiced deep concerns over the current state of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the nation is veering dangerously toward a civilian dictatorship.
Speaking today, Momodu decried the erosion of democratic values, particularly in the run-up to the 2025 Democracy Day.
“I’m glad today falls just before June 12,” he said. “If we still have any conscience, we should admit we’ve damaged this democracy. Nigeria is practically back under civilian dictatorship—leaders who are indifferent to the people’s suffering.”
He added that the sacrifices made by pro-democracy heroes during the June 12 struggle appear wasted, saying, “If those who died for democracy could see the country today, they’d be weeping.”
Turning to internal party issues, Momodu strongly criticized Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of destabilizing the PDP and acting beyond his mandate.
“It’s absurd that one man, who should be focused on Abuja, is now deciding the fate of the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket,” he said.
“What Wike is doing is a repeat of his power play in Rivers State, this time with support from higher authorities.”
He dismissed Wike’s role in Nigeria’s democratic history, saying, “Where was Wike during the June 12 struggle? Today, he speaks as if he founded the country.”
Momodu also condemned the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, attributing it to Wike’s refusal to relinquish control.
“That crisis was manufactured by one man who refuses to let go. It’s unprecedented,” he stated, accusing Wike of staging a “coup” against the party that made him.
Reacting to President Tinubu’s remarks at the commissioning of the newly refurbished International Conference Centre—now named after him—Momodu took issue with the president’s dismissal of critics as “busybodies.”
“Who is a bystander in their own country?” Momodu asked. “Wike was dancing after inaugurating a centre that reportedly cost over ₦30 billion. At this point, it feels like Nigeria has two presidents.”
Despite the PDP’s turmoil and multiple defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Momodu ruled out crossing over to the APC.
“If I wanted to join the APC, I wouldn’t be talking like this. But my spirit has left the PDP—I can’t remain where one man dictates to seasoned leaders,” he said.
Momodu concluded by urging Nigeria to urgently reform its political system and return to genuine democratic principles.
“The PDP has its faults, no doubt. But the kind of impunity we’re seeing now is dragging the country backward—and fast.”