LAGOS, Nigeria — A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dele Momodu, has criticised Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of operating like a “civilian dictator” and acting as though he were Nigeria’s founding father.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Momodu expressed concern over what he described as Wike’s overbearing influence within the PDP and his destabilising role in internal party affairs.
“It sounds ridiculous that one man, who should be busy in Abuja, is dictating where the PDP presidential ticket should go in 2027,” Momodu said.
“What Wike is doing is a rehash of what he did in Rivers State—and he is clearly doing so with the backing of those at the top.”
The outspoken media mogul and former presidential aspirant alleged that Wike has hijacked the PDP’s decision-making process, weakened party structures, and undermined internal democracy.
He also questioned Wike’s political legacy, particularly his absence during Nigeria’s historic June 12 pro-democracy movement.
“Where was Wike during the June 12 struggle? Who knew him then? But today, he speaks as if he’s the founding father of Nigeria,” Momodu said.
His remarks come amid growing internal strife within the PDP, as the party grapples with defections, realignments, and reported moves by opposition leaders to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike, though officially still a PDP member, has aligned closely with the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government since his appointment as FCT Minister by President Bola Tinubu.
Momodu also used the platform to reflect on the state of Nigerian democracy as the country marks the 31st anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.
“I’m very happy that today coincides with the lead-up to June 12,” he said.
“If we still have any iota of conscience left, we’ll realise we have damaged this democracy. Nigerians are hungry. We’ve damaged this democracy, and I hope we’ve not damaged it beyond repair.”
He described the current political climate as a return to “civilian dictatorship,” criticising both elected and appointed officials for ignoring public concerns.
“The audacity, the effrontery of this set of politicians—whether in the executive, legislature, or local government—is totally unbelievable,” he said.
