A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has accused President Bola Tinubu of exercising excessive control over Nigeria’s democratic institutions, alleging that his administration is worse than the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha.
Momodu made the allegations on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme, where he compared Tinubu’s political approach with that of Abacha, who ruled Nigeria from 1993 to 1998.
The ADC chieftain accused the President of pressuring Nigerians and political actors in a bid to retain power, arguing that the current administration’s actions bore similarities to those of the former military ruler.
“Tinubu is doing exactly what Abacha did: coercing everyone because he wants to be President,” Momodu said.
He further criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress, insisting that the President had exceeded the excesses associated with Abacha’s regime.
“What else do you expect from Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress? President Tinubu has done far worse than what Abacha did,” he stated.
Momodu also alleged that the President had extended his influence across the three arms of government, raising concerns about the independence of key democratic institutions.
“Tinubu has virtually taken over everything, including the executive, the legislature and the judiciary,” he added.
The comments come amid ongoing political debates over the state of Nigeria’s democracy and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
