Veteran journalist and publisher of Ovation magazine, Dele Momodu, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), becoming the latest high-profile figure to align with the emerging opposition coalition months after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Momodu officially declared his membership of the ADC in Benin City on Thursday, where he addressed speculations surrounding his political ambitions.
The former presidential aspirant made it clear that he has no intention of contesting for either the governorship or a senatorial seat in Edo State.
“People have asked me, ‘What do you want? Do you want to be governor or senator?’ No,” Momodu said. “I just want to promote the best interests of our people.”
Speaking on his decision to pitch tent with the ADC, Momodu described the moment as a defining step in his political journey, stressing that his involvement was driven by a broader national interest rather than personal ambition.
“It is hard to imagine the pride I feel at this moment as I undertake this journey to pick up the membership card of the African Democratic Congress, the new opposition coalition in Nigeria,” he said. “This is only the first and most important leg of this political journey.”
He stated that his central mission in politics is to prevent Nigeria from drifting into a one-party system, warning that such a development would undermine democracy.
“My mission in politics is to join hands of fellowship with citizens of like minds to rescue, recover and reset Nigeria,” Momodu said. “Nigeria must be rescued from a one-party state and one parliament.”
Reflecting on his ancestral roots, Momodu disclosed that it took him more than three decades to fully reconnect with his Edo heritage, expressing gratitude to Senator Isa Raymond for playing a key role in facilitating his reintegration.
“It took me a long time, over 30 years, before I could discover my ancestral home,” he said. “From the very first day he met me, he adopted me as a child. When I came home for the first time, he coordinated everything.”
Momodu further explained that his decision to join the ADC was motivated by his desire to contribute meaningfully to Edo State’s political development while keeping the welfare of the people at the centre of governance.
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He also spoke about his long-standing ties to the United States, noting that despite building a stable life abroad over decades, he remains committed to active participation in Nigeria’s political process.
“It took me over 50 years of hard work and meticulous planning to plant roots in the United States,” he said. “But today, I am standing before you as I firmly reintegrate myself into the political process of my state.”
Recall that Momodu resigned from the PDP in July 2025, citing what he described as the hijacking of the party by “anti-democratic forces.”
In his resignation letter addressed to the PDP Ward 4 chairman in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, he declared it honourable to leave the party and align with the ADC as part of a broader opposition coalition.
His defection is expected to further boost the ADC’s profile as it positions itself as a major alternative ahead of future elections.