Dele Momodu dumps PDP, joins ADC

Former presidential candidate and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, will on Thursday, January 15, 2026, formally defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in what marks his latest move within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving opposition politics.

Momodu, a close political ally of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, is among prominent opposition figures championing the formation of a broad-based political coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

The opposition coalition, still in its early stages, is expected to draw politicians from across party lines who argue that only a united front can effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and strengthen democratic governance in the country.

Momodu’s formal declaration is scheduled to take place in Benin City, at the new ADC State Secretariat, where senior party officials and key political stakeholders are expected to be in attendance.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the Ovation Magazine publisher expressed enthusiasm ahead of his defection, describing it as a “homecoming” and calling on Nigerians to support what he termed a rescue mission for the nation’s democracy.

“It’s a homecoming for me because all politics, they say, is local. Tomorrow, I will formally join the ADC, and as a proud son of Edo State, I will be paying homage to our elders, some of whom have already joined us in the ADC,” he said.

Momodu added that notable leaders, including former APC National Chairman John Oyegun and ex-federal lawmaker Yisa Braimoh, would be present at the event. He also disclosed plans to visit his village after the declaration to celebrate with supporters.

The veteran journalist said his decision to join the ADC aligns with the broader opposition effort to build a formidable coalition capable of challenging President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, noting that a fragmented opposition stands little chance against an incumbent administration.

Calling on Nigerians to rise above partisan divisions, Momodu warned against what he described as the emergence of a one-man dictatorship.

“I call on Nigerians, regardless of party affiliation, to join hands in shielding our beloved country from an emerging one-man dictatorship. We must protect the democracy won for us by the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola,” he said.

Momodu stressed that his defection was not driven by personal ambition but by national interest, insisting that safeguarding democracy must remain a collective responsibility.