Dele Momodu Speaks Out: Nigeria's Democracy Under Threat?

Is Nigeria Heading Toward a New Era of Dictatorship?

Naija News brings you an exclusive take on the current political climate in Nigeria, as veteran journalist and PDP chieftain Dele Momodu weighs in with some strong words. In a recent interview, Momodu didn’t hold back when it came to criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s actions, particularly the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This move, according to Momodu, is not just anti-democratic but threatens the very foundation of the democracy Tinubu himself once fought so hard to establish.

Momodu’s Warning: Democracy Is on the Line

Let’s take a moment to break this down. On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. He also declared a state of emergency due to the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state. Now, this move hasn’t exactly been met with applause. Instead, it’s sparked a wave of backlash from political elites across the country, with many questioning whether Tinubu’s actions align with the democratic principles Nigeria has strived to uphold.

In a candid interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Dele Momodu made his stance crystal clear. He pleaded with President Tinubu, urging him not to let Nigeria’s democracy slip through his fingers. Momodu, who knows Tinubu well, having shared exile experiences with him in the past, expressed deep disappointment. He recalled Tinubu’s role as a champion of democracy, emphasizing how embarrassing it is to see a leader who once fought for freedom now accused of actions that resemble dictatorship.

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A Message to Tinubu: Watch Your Back

Momodu didn’t stop there. He issued a stark warning, claiming that certain individuals are misleading Tinubu and pulling him in the wrong direction. He urged the president to be vigilant and make decisions based on what’s best for the country, not on advice from those with ulterior motives. In his words, Tinubu should focus on doing his job well, as that’s the only way to secure a second term. Intimidation, Momodu argued, is not the path to success.

Here’s a direct quote from Momodu that sums up his concerns: “I think it is very unfortunate. I know President Tinubu very, very, very well. Though I’ve not been in the same party [with him] and all that, we were together in exile, and he fought gallantly for this democracy. So a lot of us, co-comrades at that time, are actually very embarrassed that we have a pro-democracy leader in government, and yet what we are witnessing is worse than dictatorship.”

He continued, “I’m pleading with President Bola Tinubu, ‘Please don’t kill democracy in Nigeria.’ Everybody who loves him will tell him this. I don’t; I’ve not asked him for anything or anything, but we love him for his contributions to the motivation in the back, which is what is going down the drain.”

And finally, he emphasized, “I’m saying it now openly to millions of Nigerians that people are deceiving President Tinubu, and he should not allow people to deceive you. He should just do his job. The only thing that can guarantee a second time is to do your job well. You do not need to intimidate anybody.”

What Does the Future Hold?

As Nigeria continues to navigate these turbulent political waters, the words of Dele Momodu serve as both a cautionary tale and a call to action. It’s clear that the country is at a crossroads, and the choices made today will shape its future for years to come. Whether President Tinubu heeds Momodu’s advice remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the eyes of the nation—and the world—are watching closely.