Governors becoming a member of APC out of worry, coercion – Momodu

The writer of Ovation Journal, Dele Momodu, has accused President Tinubu of utilizing robust arm techniques in pressuring the opposition to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Making this assertion on Channels Tv’s Politics Right this moment on Wednesday, Momodu claimed that worry was driving politicians to the APC and never out of real loyalty.

In line with him, “I’m not shocked; Okowa’s defection isn’t surprising given the current harassment he confronted.”

He added that, “I’d be shocked if President Bola Tinubu genuinely believes individuals are becoming a member of the APC out of affection or administration, that is survival now; jail as martyr days are over.

“We as soon as admired the likes of Nelson Mandela, MKO Abiola, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo for enduring detention within the identify of precept. Lately, no one needs to go to detention.

“All people needs to remain at residence and speak in regards to the cash they’ve created from politics; identify one politician who has not been harassed by both the EFCC or the ICPC sooner or later.”

On Wednesday, Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, defected from the Peoples Democratic Occasion, PDP, to the APC.

Ifeanyi Okowa, a former Delta governor and PDP 2023 vice-presidential candidate additionally joined the APC.

“Be assured that we are going to not go within the improper path. We’ll take one of the best path, one of the best path for our individuals,” Okowa stated in a video circulating on social media.

Senator Kawu Sumaila, Kano South, additionally defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Occasion, NNPP, forward of the 2027 basic election and joined the APC.

In line with Momodu, Tinubu’s administration prioritizes utilizing intimidation over persuasion to keep up energy.

“For me, it’s clear that this authorities’s technique is ‘if we are able to’t persuade you, we’ll power you.’ And for now, that power seems to be working. However politics can change in 24 hours,” he stated.

Momodu additionally slammed the APC’s inside instability, stating that monetary sources are the one factor maintaining the social gathering robust.

“The APC is in additional hassle than some other political social gathering in Nigeria; the one factor holding it collectively proper now’s the entry to sources they need to share.

“However beneath that floor, there are critical issues. For almost two years, APC members have blamed former President Buhari for the nation’s points.

“Now, the identical social gathering is working again to Kaduna, attempting to appease him. Whether or not he accepts their efforts or not doesn’t matter a lot to me,” he acknowledged.

Momodu claimed that governors are being threatened to help APC or face assaults.

“They’re being instructed behind the scenes, ‘Should you help us, we’ll depart you alone. Should you don’t, we’ll make life tough for you.’ That’s the truth of the present political local weather.

“And actually, I don’t blame the governors. What selection have they got?” He stated.

Citing the emergency rule in Rivers, the PDP chieftain stated the suspension of Siminalayi Fubara because the governor sends a transparent message to dissenters.

“Rivers State was peaceable, but Fubara was abruptly eliminated in a swift and aggressive transfer orchestrated by a minister in Abuja, Nyesom Wike.

“Nothing occurred afterward — no penalties. That despatched a message, and now everyone seems to be taking word.

“If that isn’t coercion, then what’s? What precisely was Fubara’s offense that warranted such a response? Now we hear he’s negotiating with them. That’s his selection. I’m not involved with who he negotiates with,” he added.

Momodu requested Tinubu to not belief determined politicians, including that his focus ought to be on upholding democracy, not securing a second time period via coercive means.

He stated Tinubu, as soon as a pro-democracy determine, should now enable democracy to thrive in Nigeria or danger going through deep remorse later in life.