*Says Not Shocked By Okowa Dumping PDP
A FORMER presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold democratic principles and avoid turning Nigeria into a democratic dictatorship.
On Wednesday’s mass defection of PDP members and structure in Delta State, the publisher of Ovation magazine accused Tinubu of using strong arm tactics in pressuring the opposition to join APC.
Speaking on a television programme, Momodu said: “My advice to him (Tinubu) is simple: Uphold our democratic tenets. Don’t turn Nigeria into a democratic dictatorship.
“No matter what happens, you were a pro-democracy advocate before becoming President. Please, allow democracy to breathe. If not, I fear it may become a regrettable chapter in our nation’s history.”
Momodu said the dumping of PDP by its vice presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections and former governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, did not come as a surprise to him, as he had been facing significant pressure and intimidation in recent times.
“What would surprise me is if Tinubu truly believes these defections are happening because people love him or because he’s doing exceptionally well. That’s far from the truth.”
He warned Tinubu against placing blind trust in political defectors, saying their loyalty may be driven more by survival than support for his leadership.
“It’s clear he’s focused on securing a second term, but he must remember, God granted him the first term, not coercion. So, why now resort to force to ensure a second?”
He added: “I’m not surprised; Okowa’s defection isn’t shocking given the recent harassment he faced.
“I would be surprised if Tinubu genuinely believes people are joining the APC out of love or administration, this is survival now; prison as martyr days are over.
“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.
“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.”
