Ovation Magazine publisher Dele Momodu has accused President Bola Tinubu of employing strong-arm tactics to pressure opposition politicians to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Momodu claimed that fear, rather than genuine loyalty, drives politicians to join the APC.
“I’m not surprised; Okowa’s defection isn’t shocking given the recent harassment he faced,” Momodu said. “I would be surprised if President Bola Tinubu genuinely believes people are joining the APC out of love or administration, this is survival now; prison as martyr days are over.” He added that the current political climate prioritizes intimidation over persuasion, stating, “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.”
Momodu also criticized the APC’s internal instability, saying, “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 noted that governors are being threatened to support the APC or face attacks, saying, “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.'”
The recent defections from the PDP to the APC, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, have sparked controversy. Momodu urged Tinubu not to trust desperate politicians and to focus on upholding democracy rather than securing a second term through coercive means.
“Tinubu, once a pro-democracy figure, must now allow democracy to thrive in Nigeria or risk facing deep regret later in life,” Momodu said. He cited the emergency rule in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as evidence of coercion, saying, “If that isn’t coercion, then what is?”
