Veteran journalist and PDP chieftain Dele Momodu announced his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on July 16, 2025, accusing the Peoples Democratic Party of harboring “anti-democratic forces.”
The publisher of Ovation magazine, who supported Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 presidential bid, cited internal PDP conflicts and its failure to counter Tinubu’s policies as reasons for the switch. Momodu, a vocal critic of the APC, praised the ADC coalition, formed on July 2, 2025, as a platform to “rescue Nigeria’s democracy,” aligning with figures like Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai.
The move, announced via a statement in Lagos, follows a wave of defections amid PDP leadership disputes, including the suspension of key members. Momodu’s media influence and connections are seen as a boost to the ADC’s campaign strategy, though PDP acting chairman Umar Damagum warned of consequences for defectors.
Analysts view the shift as strategic, leveraging Momodu’s narrative skills to shape public opinion, especially among urban youth. The defection underscores the PDP’s weakening grip, with the ADC gaining traction as a potential opposition force ahead of 2027, though its success depends on unifying its diverse membership.