 to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a move motivated by survival rather than a shift in political allegiance.){kind=link}
Veteran journalist and politician, Dele Momodu, has reacted to the recent wave of defections by key figures in Delta State’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a move motivated by survival rather than a shift in political allegiance.
During a live interview on Channels TV on Wednesday, Momodu expressed that the defections did not surprise him, as they are part of a long-standing trend in Nigerian politics.
He noted, “I’m a very good student of Nigeria’s political history, so nothing about our politicians can surprise me. The history of Nigerian politics is filled with defections.”
Addressing the departure of Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other prominent PDP figures to the APC, Momodu stated, “What would surprise me is if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes that people are joining APC because they admire him or because he’s performing excellently. What’s happening now is a game of survival.”
He further suggested that pressure from anti-graft agencies, such as the EFCC and ICPC, has driven politicians to align with the ruling party as a protective measure.
“Name one of them who hasn’t been harassed by the EFCC, ICPC, or the Special Fraud Unit,” Momodu added.
He argued that in the past, political leaders like Nelson Mandela and MKO Abiola were revered for their willingness to endure detention for their beliefs, but today, many politicians seek to avoid such consequences, preferring to enjoy the rewards of their political careers.
Momodu also pointed to the current administration’s “carrot and stick” approach, where coercion, alongside persuasion, appears to be effective in swaying political figures.
The defection was formally announced in Asaba on Wednesday by Senator James Manager after a six-hour closed-door meeting at the Government House.
He confirmed that all major PDP members in the state, including Governor Oborevwori, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC. “We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” Manager stated.
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, also endorsed the decision, emphasizing the need for political alignment to foster continued development in the state.
He compared the PDP to a palm wine whose taste had soured, suggesting it was time for a change in political affiliation.
“We believe that leaving the PDP was necessary for us to collaborate and build a state every Deltan will be proud of,” Aniagwu remarked.
He further revealed that a formal public announcement of the defection would take place next week, saying, “By God’s grace, on Monday next week, we will make a significant statement confirming our move to the APC.”