Media mogul and PDP chieftain, Dele Momodu, has weighed in on the recent wave of high-profile defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the shift as a “game of survival” rather than a vote of confidence in the ruling party or its leadership.
Reacting to the shocking defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa to the APC, Momodu said he was not surprised, pointing to what he called increasing harassment of opposition politicians. “What would surprise me is if President Bola Tinubu truly believes people are joining the APC because they love him or because he is doing fantastically well,” he said.
According to Momodu, the political terrain has shifted from one of ideology and principle to a climate of fear and coercion. “Gone are the days we revered men like Mandela, Awolowo, and Abiola for standing by their beliefs despite persecution. Today, nobody wants to go to jail; everyone just wants to make money and stay out of trouble.”
He alleged that many defections are being forced behind closed doors through threats and pressure from federal institutions. “Governors are being told, ‘If you support us, we’ll leave you alone. If you don’t, we’ll make life difficult for you.’ That’s the current reality,” he stated.
Referencing the political turmoil in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara was suspended in what many viewed as a power move by allies of former governor Nyesom Wike, Momodu said such actions send a clear message to dissenters: fall in line or face consequences.
