Veteran journalist and politician, Dele Momodu, has described the recent mass defection of top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Delta State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a mere survival tactic, not a genuine shift in political ideology.
Speaking on Wednesday during a live interview on Channels TV, Momodu said he was unsurprised by the development, noting that Nigeria’s political history is riddled with similar episodes.
“I’m a very good student of Nigeria’s political history, so nothing surprises me about our politicians. The history of Nigerian politics is replete with stories of defections,” he said.
Reacting specifically to the defections of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other prominent Delta PDP figures, Momodu said, “What would surprise me is if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu actually believes people are joining the APC because they love him or because he is performing extraordinarily well. What we are seeing is a game of survival.”
He argued that fear of prosecution by anti-graft agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, and the Special Fraud Unit is driving politicians into the ruling party for protection.
“Name one of them who has not been harassed at different times by the EFCC, ICPC, or Special Fraud Unit,” he said.
“Gone are the days when we admired leaders like Nelson Mandela, Jomo Kenyatta, MKO Abiola, and Chief Awolowo for enduring detention in the name of principle. Today, no one wants to go to jail — everyone wants to stay home and enjoy the wealth amassed from politics.”
Momodu further described the government’s approach as a “carrot and stick” strategy.
“This government’s strategy is simple: if we can’t persuade you, we’ll force you. And right now, force is working,” he added.
The mass defection was formally announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager after a six-hour closed-door meeting at the Government House.
“All PDP members in the state — including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the party chairman, all local government chairmen, and others — have agreed to move to the APC,” Manager stated.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat.”
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, also confirmed the decision, emphasizing the need for political realignment to sustain development efforts in the state.
“In taking this decision, we concluded that leaving the PDP was necessary for us to collaborate effectively and build a state every Deltan would be proud of,” Aniagwu said.
He likened the PDP to “palm wine whose taste has changed,” stressing the need for a new political direction.
Aniagwu further revealed that a formal public declaration of the defection would take place next week.
“By God’s grace, on Monday, we will make a very big statement confirming our movement into the APC,” he added.
