Veteran journalist and former presidential hopeful Dele Momodu has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing the opposition party of being hijacked by anti-democratic elements both within and outside its ranks.
In a letter dated July 17, 2025, addressed to the PDP chairman of Ward 4 in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Momodu declared that his resignation takes immediate effect.
The letter, laced with disappointment, described the PDP as a “carcass” in the grip of political manipulators.
“My reason is simple and straightforward. Our party has been unarguably hijacked by anti-democratic forces, from within and outside, in broad daylight,” the media mogul wrote.
Momodu, who sought the PDP’s presidential ticket during the 2023 general elections, did not mince words as he announced his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — a party he called “a new coalition movement.”
“It is, therefore, honourable 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,” he added.
The departure of the Ovation Magazine publisher adds to the growing wave of high-profile defections from the PDP, a party that once held firm as Nigeria’s ruling platform but has, in recent months, struggled with allegations of internal sabotage, imposition of candidates, and a crumbling leadership structure.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Sliding into Civilian Dictatorship, Dele Momodu Warns
Momodu expressed gratitude to grassroots supporters, acknowledging the encouragement and solidarity he received throughout his time in the party.
“I will forever treasure the kind support you gave me at all times,” he noted.
This latest defection underscores the PDP’s deepening internal crisis. Prominent members have in recent weeks raised alarm over the party’s direction and its failure to institute internal democracy.
Some analysts believe this is just the beginning of a broader political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political watchers are now asking: will more PDP bigwigs follow Momodu’s lead? And can the African Democratic Congress leverage this momentum?