Dele Momodu Says Nigeria Is Drifting Toward Servitude Under Tinubu

Publisher of Ovation International, Dele Momodu, has raised fresh criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying the country is moving toward what he called a culture of servitude despite years of struggle against military rule.

Momodu made the remarks in a post on X in the early hours of Sunday, where he said many Nigerians, especially in political circles, appear to be accepting conditions that mirror authoritarian habits the country once resisted.

He said it was disturbing that lessons from the military era were fading in public life and that some actors now treat concentration of power as normal in a democratic setting.

“I’m shocked that many Nigerians are voluntarily walking into slavery, and, excitedly, embracing servitude. We seem to have forgotten the battle we fought against military dictatorship and those tyrannical leaders, not too long ago,” Momodu wrote.

He added, “It is befuddling how we can open our eyes wide open and not understand a simple reality, that tyrants only exist for themselves, family and cronies. And whenever they add messianic posturing to it, they usually assume the God complex.”

Momodu said the country was nearing a dangerous point and warned that only divine help could prevent further decline. He also argued that the current political atmosphere suggested limited tolerance for competition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“Nigeria is at that threshold now, and only God can liberate us. There’s no doubt that President Tinubu is not willing to entertain any competition in 2027. He expects full endorsement despite abysmal failures in all ramifications. Budgets, nil. Security, nil. Propaganda,” he wrote.

The comments have added to ongoing debate over the direction of governance, democratic accountability and public trust in national leadership. Critics of the administration have continued to point to economic hardship and insecurity as evidence of policy failure, while government supporters maintain that reforms require time before results can be fully measured.

Momodu said his intervention was not tied to partisan ambition but to what he called concern for the country’s future. “When tomorrow comes, let no one say we were not forewarned. Mine is not a political statement but a humble and visionary message borne out of fervent patriotism. NIGERIA desperately needs a rescue…” he wrote.

His statement is expected to feed wider political conversations as parties, civil society groups and commentators position ahead of the next election cycle.