A former presidential candidate, Dele Momodu, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s political approach, saying the Nigerian leader appears to prefer an environment without strong opposition voices ahead of future elections.

Akahi News gathered that Momodu made the remarks on Sunday while speaking during a political programme where he discussed the state of opposition politics in Nigeria and the influence of political power in governance.

According to him, democracy cannot function effectively when opposition voices are weakened or sidelined.

“Democracy Requires Opposition”

Momodu argued that a healthy democratic system must allow for strong opposition parties capable of challenging those in power.

He suggested that the current political climate appears to favour a situation in which the ruling establishment dominates the political space.

According to him, “There must be opposition politics. There must be opposition candidates, but Tinubu wants to contest against himself and it doesn’t make sense to me.”

Akahi News learnt that Momodu also criticised what he described as political narratives that attempt to present exaggerated achievements or statistics, saying such narratives often emerge when political competition is weak.

For him, political debate and criticism should not be viewed as hostility but as an essential ingredient of democratic governance.

Role of Buhari in Tinubu’s Presidency

During the discussion, Momodu also reflected on the political circumstances that led to Tinubu’s emergence as president.

He stated that the support of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari played a decisive role in Tinubu’s victory.

According to Momodu, the political influence and structure associated with Buhari significantly contributed to Tinubu’s path to the presidency.

“Look Buhari handed over to Tinubu, but for Buhari it would have been impossible for Tinubu to be president today,” he said.

Akahi News observed that the comment reflects ongoing debates within Nigeria’s political space regarding the alliances and political structures that shape presidential elections.

Debate Over Power and Resources

Momodu also raised concerns about the influence of political power and financial resources in Nigeria’s electoral process.

He suggested that leaders occupying powerful offices often have access to enormous resources capable of shaping political outcomes.

Using Lagos State as an example, he argued that political influence can expand significantly when combined with national power.

Akahi News gathered that Momodu emphasised that genuine political competition is essential to prevent power from becoming excessively concentrated in the hands of a few.

The Larger Question About Democracy

Momodu’s remarks have sparked renewed conversation about the nature of democracy and political competition in Nigeria.

At the heart of the debate lies a fundamental question: what truly defines a healthy democratic system?

Is democracy merely about holding elections, or is it about ensuring that multiple voices can compete fairly for power?

If opposition parties grow weak, can citizens still feel that their choices are genuinely represented?

And perhaps most importantly, can democracy flourish where criticism is interpreted as hostility rather than constructive engagement?

Akahi News observed that such questions continue to shape Nigeria’s political discourse as the country prepares for future electoral cycles.

While political actors may disagree on strategies and alliances, the broader challenge remains the same: how to sustain a democratic culture where leadership is accountable, opposition is respected, and the will of the people remains central.

For many observers, the ongoing debates highlight an enduring truth about democracy—it thrives not in silence but in the presence of competing ideas, vigorous debate, and the constant demand for accountability.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.

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