Dele Momodu, a veteran journalist and former member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), who played a significant role in Nigeria’s fight for democratic rule, has spoken out about the nation’s current political and economic situation. In a recent interview with Sun, he discussed the state of the nation, the challenges of insecurity, President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, the PDP crisis, and the controversial state of emergency in Rivers State. A veteran pro-democracy activist, Momodu analyzed the challenges facing the country and offered his thoughts on its trajectory.
Momodu, who played a significant role in the fight for Nigeria’s return to democracy, reflected on the present state of insecurity under President Tinubu’s leadership. He pointed out that while the current administration, much like the previous ones, has promised to combat insecurity, there has been little to show in terms of tangible results.
Commenting on the rising insecurity, Momodu stated that Nigeria’s security situation has been worsening, with no clear solution in sight. He noted that President Tinubu’s recent call for security chiefs to do more was not something new, as similar orders had been given under former presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. Despite Buhari being a retired Major General, there was little improvement in the country’s security landscape. According to Momodu, Buhari’s background should have given the public hope that security could be effectively managed, especially with the widespread belief that the violence largely stemmed from Fulani herdsmen, of whom Buhari himself is a member. However, the insecurity continued unchecked, leading to widespread frustration.
Momodu argued that, with the security situation getting worse under Tinubu, Nigerians could only “pray” for a miracle, as he sees no immediate change coming from the current leadership.
In the interview, Momodu was also critical of President Tinubu’s governance, particularly in relation to the promises made during the 2023 presidential campaign. He expressed disappointment that Tinubu had failed to meet the high expectations set during his campaign.
One of the most significant criticisms was Tinubu’s controversial decision to end the fuel subsidy on his very first day in office, which sent shockwaves through the Nigerian economy. Momodu likened this action to a doctor administering medication without properly diagnosing the patient first. He explained that the fuel subsidy was a complex issue, and by cancelling it without a clear understanding of its impact, Tinubu had destabilized the economy further. Momodu, a keen observer of Nigeria’s political economy, argued that the economy is in a dire state, and unless there is a “miracle,” it will be difficult to revive it.
Another point of contention for Momodu was the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Tinubu. Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, a former ally of Tinubu, has been at the center of much political drama, particularly after his decision to join the APC. Momodu criticized the move as a power grab, arguing that the state of emergency in Rivers was orchestrated for personal and political reasons rather than addressing any genuine security concerns.
He suggested that the actions in Rivers were part of a larger strategy by President Tinubu’s government to consolidate power. He described the unfolding events as a form of “gangsterism,” with Wike’s influence serving as a key factor in the declaration of the emergency. Momodu believes that this power consolidation by Tinubu’s government undermines democratic processes and is detrimental to the nation’s stability.
As the interview continued, Momodu shared his thoughts on the current state of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition party. He described the crisis within the party as nothing new, citing the historical nature of such struggles. He noted that parties, including the APC, have undergone similar transitions in the past, with internal divisions often leading to shifts in allegiance.
While some have suggested that he might be considering a move to the APC, Momodu vehemently denied this, stating that he would “rather retire” than join the ruling party. He noted that the PDP, despite its ongoing issues, was still a far cry from the APC, which he claimed was embroiled in even deeper struggles.
Momodu pointed out that the APC had not been able to deliver on its promises to Nigerians, which is why the party was resorting to tactics such as causing chaos in opposition parties. According to him, the APC’s attempts to destabilize the PDP and other parties are strategic maneuvers aimed at securing future victories. He is confident that, if free and fair elections were held today, the APC would be unable to secure a win.
When asked about the prospects of the 2027 presidential race, Momodu expressed a sense of realism. Although he acknowledged the widespread speculation about whether Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2023, would run again, he emphasized that running for president requires significant resources and careful planning. He argued that despite the opposition parties’ complaints, it was clear that President Tinubu was a formidable force, with his power and influence making him the key player in Nigerian politics.
Momodu also mentioned that he had once considered running for president himself but had since realized the immense challenges involved. He believes that for the country to move forward, a united opposition is needed to challenge the APC, though it remains unclear who would be capable of defeating Tinubu.
Regarding the ongoing crisis in the PDP, Momodu asserted that the party’s internal issues were exacerbated by the ruling APC’s dominance over Nigeria’s key institutions. He likened the situation to a battle against a “demon” that had been created by the APC’s actions, from controlling the judiciary to intimidating opposition members. According to him, this concentration of power has left opposition parties, including the PDP, vulnerable to attacks, which will continue until the political landscape changes.
