Fani-Kayode Slams Dele Momodu Over Tinubu Criticism, Defends Presidency

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate and Former Minister of Aviation, has criticised media entrepreneur and politician, Dele Momodu, over his recent TV comments on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing them as “misguided” and “uncharitable”.

Fani-Kayode’s reaction on Tuesday in Abuja followed Momodu’s interview on Channels Television, where he reportedly compared Tinubu’s leadership style to that of former Military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.

In a strongly worded statement titled “To My Brother Bobby Dee,” Fani-Kayode expressed disappointment in Momodu, stating that such comparisons reflect a “worrisome level of cognitive dissonance”. He also suggested that Momodu take a break from political commentary to reassess his views.

The former minister further accused Momodu of being disrespectful to key government officials, including the President, Vice President, ministers, senators, and newly appointed ambassadors, adding that many of them possess more governance experience.

Fani-Kayode also fired at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the platform with which Momodu is associated, describing the party as weak, lacking structure, direction, and the capacity to serve as a credible opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the ADC should focus on strengthening its internal framework rather than criticising the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He argued that the growing support for the APC reflects public confidence in the current administration.

“The ADC cannot even be described as a sinking ship but rather as a badly patched-up inflatable plastic lifeboat that has not even managed to find its bearing or leave the harbour.

“It has no engine, no sails, no oars, no captain, no crew, no navigational equipment, no muscle, no firepower, no war chest, no destination, and worst of all, it is made of rubber and not steel.

“How can such an ill-prepared contraption even float, let alone do battle?

“It cannot possibly survive the rough seas and harsh winds of Nigerian politics because it lacks gravitas, focus, character, intelligence, discipline and strength.

“It needs to be built up, better schooled, better trained, better equipped, better educated and better prepared before it can enter the field and before we can even begin to regard it as an opposition party,” Fani-Kayode said.

Reaffirming his support for President Tinubu, Fani-Kayode stated that the administration “started well” and would “end well by the grace of God”, dismissing contrary views as unfounded.

He urged Momodu to listen to the Holy Spirit. “The Bible says, Who is he that sayeth a thing and it cometh to pass when the Lord God of Hosts has commanded it not?”

He concluded with a personal appeal to Momodu, urging him to reconsider his political alignment and disengage from what he described as unproductive associations.