Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dele Momodu, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating crisis within opposition parties to weaken them and push Nigeria toward a one-party state.
Speaking in an interview with Arise News on Thursday, Momodu claimed the APC is using state power to destabilise major opposition parties, including the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP, making it difficult for them to thrive.
Momodu described the PDP as its own worst enemy, citing unresolved grievances from the 2022 primaries and alleged efforts by the APC to weaken opposition parties.
He raised concerns over the party’s worsening crisis, attributing it to both internal divisions and external interference from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing the internal issues, Momodu noted that some party members who lost the 2022 primary elections are still struggling to recover from their defeat.
“There are people who lost the primary election in PDP in 2022 who are still sulking and have not recovered from it. The interesting thing is that they have virtually moved to another party, but either they love PDP or hate PDP, they are not able to vacate PDP.”
On the external front, Momodu highlighted what he described as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) orchestrating crisis within opposition parties to weaken them.
According to him, “Nigeria is obviously moving in a direction of a one-party state. The ruling party, APC, is so scared of opposition that right now crisis are being orchestrated from party to party, especially the leading opposition parties like PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP. It’s obvious what is going on.”
He further expressed concern about the uncertainty surrounding the situation, stating, “No one is in doubt about that. How this would end, I have no idea. So, we are watching.”
Reflecting on the genesis of PDP’s internal struggles, Momodu traced the crisis back to when former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike lost the 2022 presidential primary to Atiku Abubakar and was not chosen as the running mate.
He explained, “The crisis started from when the then Governor Wike lost to Atiku Abubakar in the primary and the bid for the running mate. And when I say moved, I’m not talking about physically, but maybe spiritually, he is within the APC today.
“However, he is yet to find the courage to physically join APC because he knows he would not be able to wield the kind of power he wielded in PDP. Right now, where his friends are holding sway, he is empowering them and encouraging them to keep PDP under the water.”
When asked whether PDP’s troubles stem from incompetence, lack of direction, and unity, Momodu dismissed such claims, arguing that the ruling party’s influence is a major factor.
He stated, “No, if you have a government that is wielding all its state power against the opposition, what will you do? Wike would not be that powerful if he did not have the backing of the ruling government.
“Even Tinubu knows that. The tragedy of it for me is that I have never envisaged a day when Nigeria will come under a civilian administration that will make it very difficult for opposition to thrive.”
Momodu also expressed his personal concerns about the current administration, despite having no personal grievances against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He remarked, “Personally, I have nothing against the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but I’m worried. As a man who made a huge impact as a pro-democracy activist, it is obvious that his cronies are misbehaving all over the place and making it difficult for the opposition to thrive.”
Looking ahead, Momodu emphasised that power is transient, cautioning those currently aligned with the ruling party.
“The maximum they would do is eight years, so after that, what next? It’s not about how long, it’s about how well. That’s why I’m advising a lot of people now who are holding onto Asiwaju; he would think they love him—No! It’s self-preservation because they lost out in one party, they ran to Asiwaju, and now they are using him as an umbrella when they should be holding the broom.”
On speculations that PDP might adopt a South-South candidate in 2026, Momodu expressed indifference, stating that it is up to the party members to decide.
He said, “I’m not worried about members that are adopted. That would be the decision of the members of the party, if the party survives till then. But from what I’m seeing right now, I don’t think they are ready, especially our NWC. They are not ready. I won’t be surprised if they announce that they are not interested in contesting the presidency in 2027.”