Media mogul and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), becoming the latest high-profile figure to exit the party, just days after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also announced his departure.
In a resignation letter dated July 17 addressed to the PDP Ward 4 chairman in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Mr Momodu cited the party’s takeover by “antidemocratic forces” as the primary reason for his decision.
“Our party has been unarguably hijacked by antidemocratic forces, from within and outside, in broad daylight,” Momodu wrote.
“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 (ADC).”
DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS reports that the 64-year-old joined PDP in 2021 and contested for its presidential ticket in 2022.
Despite not emerging as the candidate, he remained actively involved in party activities and was a strong supporter of Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 general elections.
His defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) follows closely on the heels of Atiku’s exit from the PDP.
In a letter dated July 14, Atiku cited “irreconcilable differences” and a deviation from the party’s founding principles as reasons for his resignation.
Alhaji Atiku expressed gratitude for his time in PDP, describing it as one of the most significant chapters of his political life.
“As a founding father of this esteemed party, it is indeed heartbreaking for me to make this decision,” Atiku wrote.
Both defections reflect deepening discontent within the PDP, with allegations of internal hijack and poor leadership.
Their exits also signal a growing momentum behind the ADC, which is reportedly building a broad coalition of disillusioned political heavyweights ahead of the 2027 general election.
The move has already stirred strong reactions. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, reacting to Atiku’s resignation, said his departure would not affect the PDP.
“Politics is a game of interest… Anyone who holds PDP down, it is better for such an individual to quit,” Makinde said, while dismissing ADC as no real threat.
However, minister of aviation, Festus Keyamo, criticised Atiku for releasing his resignation letter during the national mourning of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Mr Keyamo also accused Atiku of improperly using the federal government’s Coat of Arms in his private political communication.
“Your obsession with your perennial presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy,” Keyamo stated, warning that Atiku’s use of official insignia bordered on impersonation.
As political realignments continue, Dele Momodu’s move adds weight to what may become Nigeria’s most formidable third-force effort in recent memory.
His exit also underscores the fragility of Nigeria’s major political parties as the 2027 elections approach.
