Dele Momodu Warns of Rising Civilian Autocracy in Nigeria

Dele Momodu, a former presidential hopeful and senior figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has voiced deep concerns over Nigeria’s democratic future, warning that the country is veering dangerously close to authoritarian civilian rule.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Momodu noted with dismay that as the nation prepares to commemorate Democracy Day on June 12, the principles for which many once fought are being eroded.

He stated, “It’s tragic that as we approach June 12, we’re witnessing a reversal of the democratic gains made over the years. We’ve slid back into a style of leadership that’s dismissive and autocratic. The people are suffering, yet their voices are ignored.”

Momodu criticized public officials and institutions for acting with disregard for the people’s needs and concerns. He described the current political atmosphere as hostile to democratic participation and transparency.

“We have dismantled the very ideals that June 12 represents. The political class is now brazen in how they govern, showing little respect for public opinion or accountability,” he said.

Paying homage to those who died fighting for democracy during the June 12 struggle, Momodu said they would be deeply pained by the state of the country today. “If the heroes of democracy could see what has become of Nigeria, they would weep. We’ve betrayed their sacrifices.”

He also took aim at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of destabilizing the PDP and imposing his will on the party. According to Momodu, Wike’s growing influence within the PDP mirrors the political tactics he used in Rivers State.

“It’s absurd that someone based in Abuja is trying to control who gets the PDP presidential ticket in 2027. This is exactly what he did in Rivers, and now it’s being replicated at the national level with top-level support,” Momodu remarked.

He questioned Wike’s legacy, asking, “Where was Wike during the dark days of the June 12 struggle? No one knew him. Today, he talks like he built this nation.”

On the political turmoil in Rivers State, Momodu blamed Wike for triggering a state of emergency, saying it was caused by his refusal to relinquish power quietly.

“A single individual has created a crisis of such magnitude that a state of emergency had to be declared. This kind of political recklessness is unprecedented,” he said.

Describing Wike’s actions as a betrayal, Momodu said the minister was undermining the very party that propelled him to national prominence.

“What he’s doing now is no different from a coup against the PDP. It’s disgraceful for someone who owes his political career to the party to now act like its sole decision-maker,” he added.

Momodu also condemned recent remarks made by President Bola Tinubu, who referred to critics as “busybodies” and “bystanders” during the reopening of the Abuja International Conference Centre. Momodu found the comments insulting to citizens engaged in national discourse.

“How can you call concerned Nigerians ‘busybodies’ in their own country? And all this drama is surrounding one person—Wike—who was celebrating the reopening of a facility reportedly costing over ₦30 billion. It’s beginning to feel like we have two presidents running the country,” he said.

Despite the turbulence within the PDP, Momodu insisted he would not defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying doing so would betray his values.

“If I were interested in joining the APC, I wouldn’t be making these criticisms. I would be spinning excuses like many others. But I can’t remain in a space where one man dictates to seasoned politicians,” he declared.

Momodu concluded with a stark warning, stating that Nigeria risks falling into full-blown authoritarianism unless urgent reforms are made. “There’s no doubt the PDP has its problems, but what we are seeing now is far worse. This unchecked arrogance and impunity is dragging us back into darkness,” he said.