Veteran journalist and political figure Dele Momodu has raised alarm over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the country is dangerously slipping into a form of civilian dictatorship.
Speaking ahead of Democracy Day, Momodu lamented the current state of governance, saying those in power now act with impunity and disregard for public sentiment.
“We’ve damaged this democracy, and I hope we’ve not damaged it beyond repair because the audacity, the effrontery of this set of politicians, whether in the executive, legislature, or local government, is totally unbelievable,” he said.
He noted that many who championed Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999 would be disheartened by the current reality. “All those who suffered for this democracy, especially those who are now in heaven, if they can see us, they would be crying.”
Momodu also criticised the internal crisis within his party, the PDP, blaming it on the unchecked dominance of certain individuals.
Referring to the Minister of the FCT, he said, “What he’s doing now is tantamount to staging a coup against the party that made him everything he is today.”
He further reacted to recent public statements from President Tinubu, saying: “I listened to the President refer to concerned Nigerians as ‘busybodies’ and ‘bystanders.’ Who is a bystander in his own country?”
Despite his dissatisfaction with the PDP’s direction, Momodu ruled out joining the ruling party.
“If I wanted to join the APC, I wouldn’t be speaking to you like this. I’d be giving excuses, like the rest.”
In his final remarks, Momodu warned that Nigeria’s political system must be fixed urgently to avoid slipping deeper into authoritarian rule.
