Shockwaves as Dele Momodu Dumps PDP for ADC, Blames Party Hijack by Anti-Democratic Forces

In a stunning political twist that has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape, veteran journalist, publisher, and former presidential aspirant Chief Dele Momodu has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring in no uncertain terms that the party has been hijacked by forces opposed to democratic ideals. Citing deep dissatisfaction with the direction the PDP has taken, Momodu has now thrown his weight behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a rising political force positioning itself as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement, officially dated July 17, 2025, came through a resignation letter addressed to the PDP Ward 4 Chairman in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State. The letter, concise yet weighty, marked the end of an era for Momodu in the PDP and the beginning of a new chapter in his political journey. Known for his eloquence and fearless expression of views, Momodu did not mince words as he laid bare the reasons behind his decision.

“My reason is simple and straightforward,” he wrote. “Our party has been unarguably hijacked by antidemocratic forces, from within and outside, in broad daylight. It is therefore honorable to abandon the carcass of the party to them while the majority of us earnestly sign up with the new coalition party known as the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”

The powerful statement instantly ignited debates across social media, political forums, and among grassroots party loyalists. For many, it confirmed growing suspicions that all was not well within the PDP’s ranks, particularly in the lead-up to the fiercely contested 2027 elections. Rumblings of discontent have long echoed from the corridors of the once formidable party, but Momodu’s exit has added a definitive punctuation to the internal chaos that appears to be plaguing the PDP.

Momodu’s political journey has been as dynamic as his media career. As the publisher of Ovation International, he carved a niche for himself in the world of journalism, earning global recognition and influence. His foray into politics brought the same firebrand spirit and commitment to civic engagement. In 2011, he ran for president under the National Conscience Party (NCP), and in 2022, he returned to the political limelight by joining the PDP and contesting for its presidential ticket in the 2023 elections. Though he didn’t clinch the nomination, he remained an outspoken and respected figure within the party — until now.

His defection to the ADC is not just a personal decision; it signals a broader political recalibration. The ADC, long seen as a fringe party, has recently been gaining traction as frustrations mount within both the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Disillusioned politicians, youth movements, and civil society groups are increasingly eyeing the ADC as a viable third force that could upend Nigeria’s long-standing two-party dominance. With Momodu’s inclusion, the ADC has scored a major political asset — a man with not only name recognition but also a track record of bold, visionary commentary on national affairs.

Political analysts are already interpreting this move as part of a growing realignment in Edo State and perhaps the nation at large. The PDP, once dominant in Edo, has suffered a series of internal squabbles and leadership tussles. The APC, although in control at the federal level, is also wrestling with credibility issues and accusations of underperformance, especially under the economic pressure many Nigerians currently face. The vacuum left by these two parties may well be what the ADC is aiming to fill, and with high-profile figures like Momodu joining the movement, that goal may now seem more realistic than ever.

Reactions from party loyalists have been mixed. Some members of the PDP have expressed disappointment, calling on Momodu to reconsider and continue the fight from within. Others, however, admit that his departure mirrors their own unspoken concerns about the direction of the party. Within the ADC camp, the mood is celebratory. Several coalition members and supporters of the party have taken to social media to welcome Momodu, praising his courage and describing his move as a "game-changer" in the nation's political evolution.

Already, speculations are swirling about what role Momodu might play in the ADC. Will he be eyeing another presidential bid in 2027, this time under a new party? Will he serve as a strategist and power broker behind the scenes, shaping policy and influencing the selection of candidates? While Momodu has remained tight-lipped about his specific plans, his history suggests he will not be a silent player. If anything, this move is likely just the opening salvo of what could be a defining political campaign in the next election cycle.

Meanwhile, the PDP’s silence on the matter is raising eyebrows. No official statement has yet been released by the national leadership addressing the resignation, a move some see as a sign of internal crisis or strategic confusion. As the party battles to retain relevance in a fast-evolving political environment, losing someone of Momodu’s stature without public acknowledgment could send an unintended message to both allies and opponents alike.

The ADC, on the other hand, is seizing the moment to consolidate its emerging reputation as a platform for progressive change. With a flurry of new interest, the party is reportedly in talks with other disaffected politicians and civic leaders who may soon declare their allegiance. As the political chessboard shifts, the ADC appears poised to rewrite Nigeria’s narrative — with Dele Momodu now firmly in its ranks.

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the stakes have never been higher. With economic challenges, rising insecurity, and widespread disenchantment with the status quo, the electorate is yearning for authenticity, vision, and leadership. In this climate, bold moves like Momodu’s defection could be more than political theatre — they might just be the sparks that ignite a new political era. Whether the ADC lives up to the expectations or not remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Dele Momodu’s exit from the PDP has added a new layer of intrigue, hope, and uncertainty to Nigeria’s political future.