- The Big Claim: Dele Momodu says Okowa’s move to APC is pure opportunism.
- No Principles? Momodu laments the decline of principles in Nigerian politics.
- Atiku Safe? Momodu dismisses rumors of Atiku also defecting.
- Wike’s Future: Momodu thinks Wike should be shown the door.
- Northern Power: Momodu believes only a Northern candidate can challenge Tinubu.
Is Okowa’s APC Switch a Betrayal?
Dele Momodu isn’t holding back! The PDP chieftain has slammed Ifeanyi Okowa’s move to the APC, calling it a prime example of everything wrong with Nigerian politics today. In a recent interview with ARISE News, Momodu didn’t mince words, saying Okowa’s defection reeks of political opportunism and self-interest.
“It’s sad that Nigerian politics has become a game of smoke and mirrors,” Momodu stated. “We’ve lost the days of politicians standing for something. Okowa’s struggling to justify his actions, and it’s clear he’s chasing personal gain, not serving the people.”
The Rise of “Stomach Infrastructure” Politics
Momodu isn’t just targeting Okowa. He sees this move as a symptom of a bigger problem: the decline of ideology and the rise of what some Nigerians call “stomach infrastructure” politics – where politicians prioritize their own pockets over the needs of their constituents. This kind of politics is also fuelled by the concept of being loyal to those in power, to get some power yourself. Remember when Peter Obi left PDP? Many saw it as a bold move against a broken system. Okowa’s move is seen as more of the same old game.
Atiku to APC? Momodu Says “Not a Chance!”
Okowa has suggested that Atiku Abubakar might also be considering a move to the APC. Momodu shut down that rumor fast. “Atiku is not a desperate politician,” Momodu declared. “He’s a democrat who believes in playing the game fairly. You won’t find thugs hanging around his house. The idea that Atiku would join the APC is simply impossible.”
PDP’s Leadership Crisis: Time to Sack Wike?
Momodu also weighed in on the ongoing leadership struggles within the PDP. He believes the party needs to take decisive action, starting with the removal of acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum. Momodu went even further, stating that the party should have already sacked Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State.
“If Damagum and others were truly patriotic, they would have done the right thing by sacking Wike,” Momodu said bluntly. “Anyone can sack Wike. He is sackable.” This shows just how deep the divisions run within the PDP and the urgent need for strong leadership to steer the party back on course.
Can Anyone Beat Tinubu? Momodu Thinks So… If They’re From The North
Looking ahead to future elections, Momodu made a bold prediction: the only way to effectively challenge President Bola Tinubu is with a Northern candidate. “PDP has been fair to the South,” Momodu explained. “Tinubu can only be countered this time by a Northerner. Any Southerner who thinks they can win against Tinubu is wasting their time.”
So, what’s the takeaway? Momodu’s explosive interview has ignited a debate about the state of Nigerian politics. Is it all about personal gain, or is there still hope for principled leadership? Only time will tell. For now, the spotlight is on Okowa, and the question remains: was his move to the APC really for the good of the people, or just for himself? The details surrounding defections like these are important to examine. Al Jazeera highlights the risk to democracy when politicians switch sides so easily.
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