A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has expressed concern that Nigeria is sliding back into civilian dictatorship, warning that the country’s democracy is being damaged beyond repair.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Momodu lamented the erosion of democratic values and criticised the current state of politics in Nigeria.
Momodu believed that Nigeria is reverting to civilian dictatorship, where politicians don’t care about the people’s feelings or opinions.
He said that Nigeria’s democracy has been damaged, and unless reformed, the country risks sinking into autocracy.
“I’m very happy that today coincides with the lead-up to June 12 (Democracy Day), so that if we still have any iota of conscience left, we’ll realise we have damaged this democracy.
“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.
“We’ve damaged this democracy, and I hope we’ve not damaged it beyond repair because the audacity, the effrontery of this set of politicians, whether in the executive, legislature, or local government is totally unbelievable, ” he said.
He added that those who fought and died for democracy, particularly during the June 12 struggle, would be heartbroken if they could witness the current state of the nation.
“All those who suffered for this democracy especially those who are now in heaven, if they can see us, they would be crying,” Momodu said.
Momodu criticised Nyesom Wike’s influence in the PDP, accusing him of hijacking party decisions and destabilizing internal structures.
On the internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Momodu criticised the influence of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),
The PDP chieftain accused him of hijacking party decisions, destabilising internal structures, and further questioned Wike’s democratic credentials.
“It sounds ridiculous that one man, who should be busy in Abuja, is dictating where the PDP presidential ticket should go in 2027.
”What Wike is doing is a rehash of what he did in Rivers State and he is clearly doing so with the backing of those at the top.
“Where was Wike during the June 12 struggle? Who knew him then? But today, he speaks as if he’s the founding father of Nigeria, ” stated.
Momodu also criticised the recent state of emergency declared in Rivers State, suggesting it was triggered by Wike’s refusal to let go of control.
“A major crisis of monumental dimension was orchestrated and aggravated by one man. Just because he wouldn’t go away quietly, a state of emergency had to be declared. It’s unprecedented in Nigeria’s history,” he noted.
He accused Wike of staging a “coup” against the PDP by using coercion and political manoeuvring to impose his will.
“What he’s doing now is tantamount to staging a coup against the party that made him everything he is today. He does not have the moral right to dictate the direction of the PDP,” he stated.
Momodu faulted President Tinubu’s comment on “busybodies” and “bystanders,” questioning who can be considered a bystander in their own country.
He also criticised the perceived influence of Wike on the government, stating, “It feels like we have two presidents in Nigeria.”
Momodu discussed the PDP’s internal crisis, criticising Wike’s role in the party’s decision-making process.
Despite the party’s troubles, Momodu dismissed the idea of joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Momodu emphasised the need for Nigeria to reform its political culture and restore democratic values to prevent the country from sinking into autocracy.
