The publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has accused President Tinubu of using strong arm tactics in pressuring the opposition to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Making this statement on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Momodu claimed that fear was driving politicians to the APC and not out of genuine loyalty.
According to him, “I’m not surprised; Okowa’s defection isn’t shocking given the recent harassment he faced.”
He added that, “I would be surprised if President Bola 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.”
On Wednesday, Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the APC.
Ifeanyi Okowa, a former Delta governor and PDP 2023 vice-presidential candidate also joined the APC.
“Be assured that we will not go in the wrong direction. We will take the best direction, the best path for our people,” Okowa said in a video circulating on social media.
Senator Kawu Sumaila, Kano South, also defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, ahead of the 2027 general election and joined the APC.
According to Momodu, Tinubu’s administration prioritizes using intimidation over persuasion to maintain power.
“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. But politics can change in 24 hours,” he said.
Momodu also slammed the APC’s internal instability, stating that financial resources are the only thing keeping the party strong.
“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.
“But beneath that surface, there are serious problems. For nearly two years, APC members have blamed former President Buhari for the country’s issues.
“Now, the same party is running back to Kaduna, trying to appease him. Whether he accepts their efforts or not doesn’t matter much to me,” he stated.
Momodu claimed that governors are being threatened to support APC or face attacks.
“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.
“And honestly, I don’t blame the governors. What choice do they have?” He said.
Citing the emergency rule in Rivers, the PDP chieftain said the suspension of Siminalayi Fubara as the governor sends a clear message to dissenters.
“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. That sent a message, and now everyone is taking note.
“If that isn’t coercion, then what is? What exactly was Fubara’s offense that warranted such a response? Now we hear he’s negotiating with them. That’s his choice. I’m not concerned with who he negotiates with,” he added.
Momodu asked Tinubu not to trust desperate politicians, adding that his focus should be on upholding democracy, not securing a second term through coercive means.
He said Tinubu, once a pro-democracy figure, must now allow democracy to thrive in Nigeria or risk facing deep regret later in life.