When Sani Abacha Wanted To Be Life President, He Did Exactly What Tinubu Is Doing Today – Momodu

In a recent interview on Arise TV, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Dele Momodu, a veteran journalist, chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Deputy Director General of the party’s presidential campaign council, criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political approach ahead of the 2027 general election, comparing it with the era of former military ruler General Sani Abacha.

Momodu discussed the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council and the participation of prominent political figures in the ruling party’s campaign activities. He argued that the gathering reflected an attempt to consolidate political support around Tinubu ahead of the forthcoming election.

According to Momodu, “When Sani Abacha wanted to be life president, he did exactly what Tinubu is doing today.” He made the statement while comparing the political developments under Tinubu with the strategy adopted by Abacha when he sought to remain in power indefinitely.

The ADC chieftain described the APC campaign council inauguration as an elitist gathering, arguing that bringing prominent political figures together did not necessarily demonstrate genuine support among ordinary Nigerians. He maintained that political alliances and endorsements should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of electoral popularity.

Momodu also recalled Tinubu’s opposition to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term ambition, arguing that Tinubu had previously resisted attempts to consolidate political power under one leader. He questioned whether Tinubu’s current political approach was consistent with the position he adopted during the Obasanjo administration.

He further alleged that the current administration had exerted considerable influence over Nigeria’s political institutions, including the executive, legislature and judiciary. These remarks formed part of his broader criticism of the political environment ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He concluded that the concentration of political support around a sitting president should not be mistaken for proof of popular acceptance, maintaining that the electorate would ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 election.

Click on the link to watch the video from 4:14 – 4:25

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