The publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has accused President Bola Tinubu of using intimidation to pressure opposition politicians into joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Momodu said that the recent wave of defections was not due to admiration for Tinubu or his policies, but rather a desperate attempt by politicians to avoid persecution.
He claimed many are switching parties to avoid trouble with government agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
“I’m not surprised; Okowa’s defection isn’t shocking given the recent harassment he faced,” Momodu said, referring to the former Delta State governor and PDP vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, who recently joined the APC. Delta State’s current governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, also defected to the APC.
According to Momodu, the political atmosphere has shifted from one where leaders stood firm on principles, to one where self-preservation is the main concern. “We once admired the likes of Nelson Mandela, MKO Abiola, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo for enduring detention in the name of principle. These days, nobody wants to go to detention,” he said.
He further noted that today’s politicians are more focused on keeping their freedom and wealth intact. “Everybody wants to stay at home and talk about the money they’ve made from politics; name one politician who has not been harassed by either the EFCC or the ICPC at some point,” he added.
Momodu accused Tinubu’s administration of favoring coercion over dialogue. “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,” he noted, while warning that political tides can change quickly.
He also criticized the internal structure of the APC, saying its unity depends only on access to financial resources. “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.”
According to Momodu, several governors are under pressure behind closed doors. “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.’ That’s the reality of the current political climate,” he said.
He pointed to the sudden suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State as an example of intimidation. “Rivers State was peaceful, yet Fubara was suddenly removed in a swift and aggressive move orchestrated by a minister in Abuja, Nyesom Wike. Nothing happened afterward — no consequences.”
Momodu concluded by warning President Tinubu against trusting opportunistic politicians and urged him to protect Nigeria’s democracy rather than focusing on securing another term through force. “He must now allow democracy to thrive in Nigeria or risk facing deep regret later in life.”
