Veteran media figure and former presidential hopeful, Chief Dele Momodu, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing deep disillusionment with the party’s current leadership. In a strongly-worded letter addressed to the PDP Ward 4 Chairman in Thievhe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, and dated July 17, 2025, Momodu declared that the PDP has been completely overrun by undemocratic elements, both from within and outside the party, effectively reducing it to a political “carcass.”

His resignation marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s opposition politics, as the outspoken publisher of Ovation International magazine and one-time presidential contender under the PDP flag becomes the latest in a growing list of high-profile figures abandoning the party amid growing internal discontent.

Momodu’s Exit Letter: A Bold and Blistering Rebuke

In his resignation letter, Chief Momodu did not mince words. He described the PDP as a party that once held promise for democratic reform and responsible governance, but is now overrun by forces opposed to those very ideals. According to him, the party has been hijacked “in broad daylight,” leaving it no longer viable as a platform for serious political engagement or change.

“My reason is simple and straightforward,” Momodu wrote. “Our party has been unarguably hijacked by anti-democratic forces, from within and outside, in broad daylight.”

He emphasized that while his decision to leave the PDP was not made lightly, it had become necessary in order to remain true to his principles and to join other sincere reformists in building a credible political 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 (ADC),” he stated.

Momodu concluded his letter with appreciation for those within the party who had supported him throughout his journey, stating, “I will forever treasure the kind support you gave me at all times.”

A Disappointed Presidential Aspirant

Chief Dele Momodu joined the PDP in 2021 and went on to contest the party’s presidential primary in 2023. At the time, he was seen as a fresh face among a field dominated by career politicians. His campaign, which focused on youth inclusion, democratic reform, and economic revitalization, resonated with many Nigerians looking for change. However, Momodu’s presidential aspirations were ultimately unsuccessful, and he has since been an outspoken critic of the party’s direction.

In recent months, he repeatedly expressed his concerns regarding what he described as the PDP’s lack of internal democracy and its failure to serve as a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His departure underscores what many political analysts see as the deepening crisis within the PDP, a party that has struggled to regain its footing since losing power in the 2015 general elections.

A Shift Toward the African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Momodu’s defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) signals a growing trend among disaffected political figures in Nigeria, many of whom now see the ADC as a fresh platform for realigning opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The ADC, which has long existed as a minor player in Nigerian politics, appears to be gaining momentum in recent months. As frustration grows among Nigerians with both the ruling APC and the fragmented PDP, several political actors and civil society groups have begun coalescing under the ADC’s banner.

Political observers note that Momodu’s move could breathe new life into the ADC’s national profile, given his stature in the media and his appeal among Nigeria’s educated youth and professionals. His decision is being interpreted as both a rebuke of the PDP and a vote of confidence in the possibility of building a credible third force.

Reactions to His Resignation

Reactions to Momodu’s resignation were swift, with supporters and critics alike weighing in across social media platforms and political circles. Many praised his courage and consistency in speaking out against internal rot within his former party. Others, particularly within the PDP, criticized the timing of his departure and questioned the long-term viability of smaller parties like the ADC.

However, for many Nigerians who have grown weary of the traditional power dynamics between the APC and PDP, Momodu’s move may resonate more as a principled stand than a political misstep.

Political analyst Ugochukwu Eke noted, “Chief Dele Momodu’s resignation confirms what many within the PDP have been whispering for months—that the party has lost its soul and is no longer the platform of reform it once aspired to be. His joining the ADC could be the start of something bigger if more disillusioned voices follow his lead.”

The State of the PDP: A Party in Crisis?

The PDP, which ruled Nigeria for 16 uninterrupted years from 1999 to 2015, has struggled to find a coherent message or leadership structure since its electoral defeat. Internal wrangling, multiple defections, and a lack of ideological clarity have contributed to its declining influence, especially among the youth.

The 2023 presidential election was a major turning point, as the party failed to present a united front, with deep divisions emerging between its northern and southern blocs. Many observers have pointed to the PDP’s internal governance issues and power struggles as the primary reasons for its poor performance.

Momodu’s resignation further cements the narrative of a party in disarray—one increasingly out of touch with the demands of modern democratic politics and the aspirations of the Nigerian electorate.

Looking Ahead: Can the ADC Fill the Void?

With Nigeria’s political future in flux and the 2027 general elections on the horizon, all eyes are now on alternative political movements that could potentially disrupt the longstanding APC-PDP duopoly. The ADC, while still relatively small in terms of electoral machinery, may become a rallying point for reform-minded politicians, civil society leaders, and disenchanted youth.

Momodu’s entry into the party could serve as both a catalyst and a test. If the ADC is able to organize itself effectively, offer a clear ideological alternative, and attract a coalition of credible candidates, it may be able to channel the widespread desire for change into electoral power.

However, it remains to be seen whether the ADC can sustain this momentum or whether Nigeria’s deeply entrenched political status quo will once again prove too resilient.

Final Thoughts

Chief Dele Momodu’s resignation from the PDP represents more than a personal decision—it reflects the broader dissatisfaction within the Nigerian political class and the electorate at large. As he exits a party he once sought to lead, his move sends a powerful message about integrity, reform, and the ongoing battle for Nigeria’s democratic soul.

Whether his defection marks the rise of a viable third force or simply another chapter in Nigeria’s volatile political landscape, one thing is certain: the conversation about what kind of leadership the country truly needs has just become louder.