Veteran journalist, publisher, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Dele Momodu has issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to uphold democratic values and resist the temptation to turn Nigeria into a dictatorship.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, Momodu expressed deep concern over what he described as “increasing authoritarian tendencies” under the current administration.
“President Tinubu must remember that he was elected under a democracy, not crowned as a monarch. Nigeria must not be turned into a dictatorship,” Momodu stated firmly.
Momodu criticized what he sees as a growing intolerance for dissent, media censorship, and political intimidation across the country. He emphasized that the essence of democracy lies in the protection of rights, the rule of law, and the independence of institutions.
“Democracy is not a one-man show. We cannot afford to let our country slide into an autocratic regime just because one man or one party holds power,” he said.
His comments come amidst increasing concerns from opposition parties, civil society groups, and media watchdogs about the shrinking civic space and partisan actions by institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies.
Earlier this week, Momodu also raised alarms over the growing wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting they were being driven more by coercion and political pressure than ideological alignment.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if INEC wakes up one day and announces it has joined the APC,” he quipped, reflecting widespread skepticism over the neutrality of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
In his address, Momodu urged President Tinubu to lead with the spirit of inclusion, transparency, and accountability — warning that any attempt to silence opposition voices or override democratic checks would only lead to instability.
“Nigerians did not vote for tyranny. They voted for leadership. President Tinubu must prove that he’s a democrat — not just by title, but by actions,” he said.
As the nation watches closely, Momodu’s words echo the concerns of many who fear that Nigeria’s hard-won democracy may be at risk unless leaders recommit to its core principles.
