In a move that is likely to send ripples through Nigeria’s political landscape, prominent journalist and publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing the party of being overtaken by “anti-democratic forces.” The resignation, which came on July 17, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

Momodu’s decision to part ways with the PDP follows the earlier defection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also abandoned the PDP in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling a growing shift within the opposition ranks. The move highlights an escalating dissatisfaction with the current state of the PDP, especially amid accusations that its democratic principles have been undermined.

In his resignation letter addressed to the Chairman of the PDP Ward 4 in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area, Edo State, Momodu expressed his frustration with the party’s leadership and its direction. The letter, which he made public, outlined his reasons for leaving the PDP and joining the ADC, a political party he hopes will challenge the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming election.

“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. 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).”

The timing of Momodu’s defection is notable, coming just before the country’s Democracy Day, a period that highlights the ongoing debates around Nigeria’s democratic process. His move to the ADC adds momentum to the party’s efforts to create a broader coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Momodu’s defection is a significant blow to the PDP, particularly as it underscores a growing dissatisfaction among some of its most prominent members. His shift to the ADC is expected to bolster the party’s standing and influence in the run-up to the next general election.

As political pundits watch closely, the defection of high-profile figures like Momodu signals that the political tides are shifting in Nigeria. It remains to be seen whether this new coalition, spearheaded by the ADC, can effectively challenge the dominance of the APC or if internal divisions within opposition parties will hinder their prospects.