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The Nigerian ambassador-elect, Femi Fani-Kayode, has asked Dele Momodu, a senior figure from the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), to cease criticizing President Bola Tinubu, whom he stated had been his supporter for many years.

The former Aviation Minister revealed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, in response to Momodu’s comments about the president during a TV interview and in a separate statement.

In an interview on Channels Television, Momodu compared the president’s approach to leadership with the authoritarian rule of the late Gen. Sani Abacha, a former military leader.

In response to the earlier remarks, Fani-Kayode characterized the statements as “misguided, unkind, and indicative of a troubling degree of mental inconsistency.”

Nevertheless, Momodu responded on Wednesday to Fani-Kayode and fellow ambassador-designate Reno Omokri, who had also expressed criticism, referring to them as “constant agents of treachery and lacking in trustworthiness.”

On Thursday, Fani-Kayode called on Momodu, a seasoned journalist and media businessman, to stop criticizing the president, whom he stated had supported and provided for him for four decades.

Referring to Momodu’s reaction as “emotional, unstable, and illogical,” he advised him to “remain in his area of expertise” and completely “step away” from the president moving forward.

“Unlike Dele, I didn’t gain from him (Tinubu) for almost 40 years, eat from his table, or receive gifts from him. I didn’t live in his house, pretend to be his brother, and still refuse to back him in his goal of becoming president,” Fani-Kayode stated.

The former minister also cautioned Momodu, whom he referred to as his brother and friend, that he would no longer accept his efforts to distort information or make personal accusations against him.

Fani-Kayode stated that he had always shown respect and self-control towards Momodu due to their long-standing relationship, but “the time for keeping quiet has ended, and the battle has begun.”

“Bobby Dee’s time of fame is definitely finished, and I believe that by 2027, when Tinubu wins, he will retreat back to the place he came from. I actively supported the campaign in 2023 and will keep backing the administration’s reform initiatives because they are in Nigeria’s best interest. I not only fought for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, but I have stayed loyal and dedicated to him and his mission ever since, and I don’t regret that at all,” he stated.

Fani-Kayode also condemned Momodu’s political partnerships, stating they are not credible and have not yet demonstrated the capability to handle the demands of effective leadership.

He claims that the country’s opposition parties are not capable and not deserving of consideration in determining Nigeria’s political future.

His dedication to President Tinubu’s government, he stated, stemmed from the changes he introduced since 2023, which he called crucial for Nigeria’s stability and growth.

“There are no lasting friends or enemies, only enduring interests. In my opinion, it is in Nigeria’s best interest for Tinubu to keep advancing the reforms he initiated in 2023 following his election as President. It is also my belief that Nigeria should never be controlled by the group of court jesters and annoying clowns that Dele is currently supporting and promoting. Comparing Tinubu to Abacha was incorrect, and if he were anything like the dictator Dele claims him to be, both Dele and those he represents would either be deceased or in prison,” he stated.

The ex-minister cautioned that, from now on, he would no longer stay quiet “as Momodu and his colleagues keep slandering the President.”