Tinubu accused of coercing opposition politicians to join APC ahead of 2027

In a scathing critique of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, Chief Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation International magazine and a prominent political commentator, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using coercive tactics to pressure opposition politicians into defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the nation inches closer to the 2027 general elections.

Momodu made the comments following the recent defections of several key political figures, including Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, former Delta Governor and 2023 PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, and Senator Kawu Sumaila of Kano South, who dumped the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the APC.

In his remarks, Momodu suggested that these defections are not driven by ideological alignment or admiration for the Tinubu-led administration but by fear and political survival.

“I’m not surprised; Okowa’s defection isn’t shocking given the recent harassment he faced,” he stated. “I would be surprised if President Bola Tinubu genuinely believes people are joining the APC out of love or administration. This is survival now; the days of going to prison as martyrs are over.”

Momodu contrasted the current climate with Nigeria’s past, when political figures like Nelson Mandela, MKO Abiola, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo were celebrated for enduring persecution in the name of principle. Today, he said, that spirit has faded.

“Everybody wants to stay at home and talk about the money they’ve made from politics,” he said. “Name one politician who hasn’t been harassed by either the EFCC or the ICPC at some point.”

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He described the Tinubu administration’s strategy as a form of soft political warfare: “For me, it’s clear that this government’s strategy is: ‘If we can’t persuade you, we’ll force you.’ And for now, that force appears to be working. But politics can change in 24 hours.”

According to Momodu, the APC is plagued with internal problems and is being held together only by its access to national resources.

“The APC is in more trouble than any other political party in Nigeria. The only thing holding it together right now is the access to resources they have to share,” he said. “But beneath that surface, there are serious problems. For nearly two years, APC members blamed former President Buhari for the country’s issues. Now the same party is crawling back to Kaduna to appease him.”

He further alleged that opposition figures are being intimidated behind closed doors.

“They’re being told behind the scenes, ‘If you support us, we’ll leave you alone. If you don’t, we’ll make life difficult for you.’ That’s the reality of the current political climate. And honestly, I don’t blame the governors. What choice do they have?”

Momodu also referenced the recent political drama in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara narrowly avoided impeachment in what he described as a “swift and aggressive move orchestrated by a minister in Abuja, Nyesom Wike.”

“Rivers State was peaceful, yet Fubara was suddenly removed in a move that sent a clear message,” he said. “Nothing happened afterward — no consequences. That sent a message, and now everyone is taking note. If that isn’t coercion, then what is?”

With several opposition figures now aligning with the ruling party, and whispers of more defections to come, political analysts say the build-up to the 2027 elections may be defined less by policy and more by political pressure and power plays behind the scenes.