Veteran journalist and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has accused President Bola Tinubu of jeopardizing Nigeria’s democracy in his bid to secure a second term in office.
Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time program on Thursday, Momodu said Tinubu’s desperation for re-election could leave a damaging legacy.
Describing Tinubu as a “smart and powerful man,” Momodu alleged the president is manipulating individuals within his circle to serve his political ambitions. “He is using people to do his bidding and he will continue to use them,” Momodu stated, warning that such tactics threaten the democratic principles Nigeria has fought hard to establish.
Momodu expressed concern that the very democratic ideals Tinubu once championed are now being compromised. He reminded the president of his history as a pro-democracy advocate and cautioned him against destroying what he had helped build. “You once fought for democracy. Don’t destroy what you helped create,” he urged.
In a passionate rhetorical question, the PDP stalwart questioned the value of holding on to power at the expense of national integrity. “What shall it profit you to do two terms, three terms, even if you could rule forever?” he asked. “At the end of the day, your name enters that book of ignominy.”
He further emphasized how rare Tinubu’s achievement was, noting that many revered Nigerian leaders failed to attain the presidency. “You got what Awolowo could not get, what Abiola could not get, what Azikiwe was chasing,” Momodu remarked, highlighting the historic weight of Tinubu’s position and the responsibility it carries.
While he acknowledged that Tinubu may have risen to power through a mix of strategy, fortune, or even manipulation, Momodu warned that clinging to office by any means would tarnish his legacy. “You got it either by hook, by crook, by luck, by whatever means,” he said, “but to insist on a second term by fire or by force is to destroy democracy.”
Momodu concluded by saying that if he had the chance to speak directly to President Tinubu, he would ask him one simple but profound question: “Is it worth it?” The veteran journalist’s remarks have added to growing concerns among critics about the direction of Nigeria’s democratic governance under the current administration.
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