Dele Momodu, a former presidential aspirant and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is in danger. Speaking during a live interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, he said the country is gradually slipping back into a civilian dictatorship.
He made these remarks just days before Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day on June 12, stating that the system many fought for has been deeply damaged.
Momodu says democracy in danger as politicians ignore Nigerians
According to Momodu, political leaders now act with arrogance and complete disregard for public opinion. He said, “The summary of it all is that on the eve of June 12, Nigeria is virtually back to civilian dictators who don’t care how you feel or what you think. Nigerians are hungry.”
He expressed disappointment that the hardship in the country is being overlooked by those in power. “We’ve damaged this democracy, and I hope we’ve not damaged it beyond repair,” he added.
Momodu says democracy in danger as Wike ‘hijacks’ PDP
Momodu did not hold back on his criticism of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who he accused of destabilising the PDP. He said, “It sounds ridiculous that one man, who should be busy in Abuja, is dictating where the PDP presidential ticket should go in 2027.”
He described Wike’s actions as a “coup” against the same party that made him who he is, insisting Wike lacks the moral right to direct PDP’s affairs. “What he’s doing now is tantamount to staging a coup against the party,” Momodu said.
He further questioned Wike’s relevance during the June 12 struggle, adding, “Where was Wike during the June 12 struggle? Who knew him then?”
Momodu says democracy in danger and rejects APC
Momodu also slammed President Bola Tinubu’s recent comment where he labelled concerned Nigerians as “busybodies” and “bystanders.” He asked, “Who is a bystander in his own country?”
He accused Wike of acting like a second president and claimed that his presence is undermining Nigeria’s democracy. “Right now, it feels like we have two presidents in Nigeria,” he said.
Despite his frustrations, Momodu said he would never join the APC. “If I wanted to join the APC, I wouldn’t be speaking to you like this,” he said. “But my soul is out of PDP—I cannot sit in a room where one man dictates to adults who have served Nigeria all their lives.”
Momodu says democracy in danger if Nigeria ignores warning signs
Momodu concluded by saying Nigeria is heading dangerously towards autocracy unless urgent reforms are made. “PDP is part of its own problem, no doubt. But people like Wike, doing what they do with impunity, are taking us dangerously backwards,” he warned.
As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, Momodu believes that Nigerian democracy is in danger and calls on citizens, leaders, and institutions to restore the ideals of justice, participation, and accountability.
