Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, has accused President Bola Tinubu of using coercive tactics to pressure opposition politicians into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Momodu made the accusation on Channels Television’s Politics Today, saying many politicians are defecting to the APC out of fear, not loyalty or belief in Tinubu’s leadership.

Defections to APC
Momodu, a member of APC and spokesperson of Atiku Abubakar cited the recent defections of Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who is expected to join the APC.

He said these defections are part of a broader strategy by the Tinubu administration to consolidate power through intimidation.

Coercion and Intimidation
Momodu said many governors are being given an ultimatum to support the ruling party or face targeted attacks. He cited the emergency rule in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as an example of coercion.

APC’s Internal Instability
Momodu also criticized the APC’s internal instability, saying the party is held together only by access to resources. He said the party’s problems run deep, and its attempts to appease former President Buhari may not yield the desired results.

Advice to Tinubu
Momodu advised Tinubu not to trust desperate politicians and to focus on upholding democracy rather than securing a second term through coercive means. He said Tinubu, once a pro-democracy figure, must allow democracy to thrive in Nigeria or risk facing deep regret later in life.