Dele Momodu Alleges President Tinubu Seeks to Extinguish Nigerian Opposition
Dele Momodu, a prominent chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused President Bola Tinubu of orchestrating a campaign to dismantle political opposition in Nigeria.
Momodu, a former presidential candidate, made the claims in a series of posts on his social media platform, X. He asserted that the Tinubu administration would employ all means to “exterminate and obliterate opposition,” arguing that this strategy is evident in the recent internal crises plaguing rival parties.
He specifically pointed to the turmoil within the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), suggesting President Tinubu benefited from and possibly contributed to the factional disputes. Momodu contested narratives blaming former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar for the party’s internal problems, outlining a sequence of events involving former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
According to Momodu, Wike’s influence over the judiciary and alleged alignment with Tinubu shielded him from PDP disciplinary action. He noted that Peter Obi left the PDP before its presidential primary and that Wike, after losing the PDP vice-presidential slot, subsequently supported President Tinubu. Momodu questioned whether any opposition candidate, including Atiku, Obi, or Wike, could have defeated Tinubu in the 2023 election regardless of party unity.
“He urged Nigerians to unite beyond political affiliations to resist what he described as a “tyrannical government” wielding unprecedented financial and institutional power. “It should be obvious by now that Tinubu does not want any opposition,” Momodu wrote, calling for collective action to safeguard democratic space.
The allegations highlight the deepening political tensions in Nigeria following the 2023 elections. Momodu’s position as a senior ADC figure lends weight to his claims, which center on the narrative that the governing party is systematically weakening institutional and political checks. His appeal for cross-party solidarity reflects ongoing concerns among opposition figures about the balance of power under the current administration. The remarks are likely to intensify debates over Nigeria’s democratic health and the treatment of political adversaries.
