Fani-Kayode Rebukes Dele Momodu Over "Authoritarian" Tinubu-Abacha Comparison, Labels ADC a "Rubber Lifeboat" Ahead of 2027

Femi Fani-Kayode criticizes Dele Momodu for comparing President Tinubu to Sani Abacha, calling the remarks "broken" and mocking the ADC's political capacity.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 4:33 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Politics Nigeria

A Clash of Political Titans Over Leadership Style

The Nigerian political landscape has been ignited by a sharp exchange between two prominent figures following an interview granted by media personality and ADC chieftain, Dele Momodu. During the segment, Momodu expressed grave concerns regarding the current administration, characterizing President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style as authoritarian and drawing a direct parallel to the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha. These remarks have triggered a wave of responses from administration loyalists, most notably from former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, who took to social media to provide a blistering point-by-point rebuttal.

Democracy vs. Dictatorship: The Fani-Kayode Defense

Reacting via a post on X, Fani-Kayode argued that equating a democratically elected government with a past military junta is not only unfair but analytically flawed. He dismissed Momodu’s assessment as the product of a "drained and tired" perspective, suggesting that the media mogul has lost touch with the current political reality. According to Fani-Kayode, such comparisons diminish the legitimacy of the electoral process and the diverse institutions—including the cabinet, the legislature, and the diplomatic corps—currently functioning under the Tinubu administration. He maintained that criticism in a democratic setting must remain measured and respect the fundamental differences between civil and military rule.

The "Rubber Lifeboat" Critique of the ADC

Fani-Kayode extended his critique beyond Momodu’s personal opinions, turning his focus toward the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where Momodu serves as a key leader. In a vivid metaphorical assessment, the former minister described the party as a "badly patched up inflatable plastic lifeboat" that lacks the "muscle, firepower, and war chest" necessary to navigate the turbulent waters of Nigerian politics. He argued that the ADC is currently a stationary vessel without a captain or navigational equipment, incapable of establishing itself as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).