Publisher and media personality, Chief Dele Momodu, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of employing strong-arm tactics and intimidation to pressure opposition politicians into defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Momodu alleged that fear — rather than genuine conviction or political alignment — is driving the recent wave of defections to the APC.
Reacting to the defection of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the current governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside other notable politicians like Senator Kawu Sumaila of Kano South, Momodu said the trend reflects a political climate dominated by coercion and survival instincts.
“I’m not surprised,” Momodu said. “Okowa’s defection isn’t shocking given the recent harassment he faced. I would be truly amazed if President Bola Tinubu believes people are joining the APC out of admiration for his leadership — this is pure survival. The days of going to prison as a political martyr are over.”
Momodu decried what he described as a shift from principled politics to self-preservation, recalling the courage of past African icons like Nelson Mandela, MKO Abiola, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo who endured detentions for their convictions.
“Today, no one wants to go to detention,” he added. “Everybody wants to stay home and flaunt the money they’ve made from politics. Name one politician who hasn’t been harassed by the EFCC or ICPC at some point.”
The veteran journalist also criticised the APC’s internal cohesion, asserting that financial inducements are the only factor sustaining the party’s dominance.
“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 warned.
Meanwhile, in a video widely circulated on social media, Okowa assured his supporters that his defection was in the best interest of his people. “Be assured that we will not go in the wrong direction. We will take the best path for our people,” he stated.
The growing number of high-profile defections comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with many observers warning of the implications for Nigeria’s democracy and opposition resilience.
