Dele Momodu, a prominent publisher and former presidential aspirant, has declared his readiness to support President Bola Tinubu, provided that his administration remains committed to the democratic values that they fought for during Nigeria's military era. In a revealing interview on Arise TV, Momodu stated that he would even "swim to the depth of the Atlantic Ocean" for Tinubu if the President upheld these principles.

Momodu's remarks underscore his concern about the potential for a civilian dictatorship to replace military rule. He emphasized that his support hinges on Tinubu's adherence to the democratic ideals they championed. "There is no earthly reason why I would not, but I would be a bloody hypocrite if after we claimed to have changed the way of military dictatorship, we now replace it with civilian dictatorship. That’s my only problem with him," Momodu articulated.

Despite his criticisms, Momodu clarified that his approach to critiquing the President is selective and does not involve personal attacks. He acknowledged the significant role Tinubu played in shaping his political journey, stating that the President was among those who instilled in him the discipline to challenge established authority. "Everything else, you see, when they are abusing him, you won’t see me abusing him. I have tremendous regards for him," he said.

Momodu highlighted Tinubu’s political journey from being a local champion in Lagos to a national figure, attributing this success to his political acumen and the reputation he built over the years. The relationship between Momodu and Tinubu dates back over three decades to their involvement in the pro-democracy movement during the 1990s, particularly in the fight against the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, which annulled the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Both men faced significant challenges during this period, with Tinubu going into exile in 1994 due to the oppressive regime of General Sani Abacha, while Momodu also fled the country, navigating through several West African nations before settling in the UK.

Since Tinubu assumed the presidency in 2023, the two have had their share of public disagreements, particularly concerning the administration's economic and political strategies. Nonetheless, Momodu has maintained a nuanced stance, recognizing the foundational support he received from Tinubu in his early political career. As a former presidential candidate for the National Conscience Party in 2011 and now aligned with the African Democratic Congress, Momodu continues to be an active voice in Nigeria's opposition politics, especially with the 2027 general elections on the horizon.