A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, has fired a scathing critique at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of enabling an unprecedented concentration of power in the hands of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike—an unelected figure who, according to Momodu, now wields more authority than many elected officials.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television on Wednesday, Momodu expressed outrage over Tinubu’s reported remarks in which he allegedly dismissed mounting public concerns about Wike’s influence by calling Nigerians “busybodies” and “bystanders.”
> “It’s deeply insulting for a democratically elected president to refer to concerned citizens as busybodies,” Momodu said. “How can the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria call his own people bystanders in their own country—just because of one man, Wike, who ironically is himself a political bystander?”
Momodu didn’t stop there. He accused the Tinubu-led administration of effectively surrendering the reins of power to Wike, a PDP stalwart who has been a divisive figure since his appointment as FCT Minister. Despite being a member of the opposition, Wike has enjoyed unprecedented autonomy and visibility under the current administration, often acting with impunity and flamboyance.
> “Even President Tinubu, who has maintained an iron grip over Lagos State since 1999, was never this audacious,” Momodu remarked. “Today, it’s beginning to look like Nigeria is being run by two presidents—one elected, and one self-appointed.”
The media mogul further criticised what he described as the “executive arrogance” on display in Aso Rock, warning that dismissing public scrutiny breeds authoritarianism and contempt for the electorate.
> “Calling Nigerians names for asking questions about how they’re governed is dangerous. These are citizens, not enemies of the state. If you were in Wike’s shoes right now, you would probably dance even harder than he did yesterday—because it seems there’s no limit to what he can do under this government.”
Momodu’s comments come amid widespread public discontent over Wike’s perceived overreach, particularly his combative leadership style and his controversial role in the demolition of structures and displacement of residents in Abuja. Many Nigerians view his prominence as a sign of political compromise at the highest level.
The PDP stalwart’s blistering assessment adds to growing fears that the Tinubu administration is sidelining democratic accountability in favour of backroom deals and political patronage—an atmosphere where loyalty to the president, not the constitution, determines one’s power.
PIONEER NEWS 