Prominent Nigerian publisher Dele Momodu formally switched allegiance to the African Democratic Congress on Thursday, vowing to combat one-party dominance while explicitly rejecting any pursuit of senatorial or gubernatorial roles in his home state of Edo.
The move, announced during an event in Benin City, comes six months after Momodu’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, which he accused of being overrun by internal and external anti-democratic elements.
In his July 2025 departure letter from the PDP, Momodu wrote: “Our party has been unarguably hijacked by antidemocratic forces, from within and outside, in broad daylight.”
He added: “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.”
Momodu, founder of the lifestyle publication Ovation Magazine, emphasized that his entry into the ADC was not driven by personal political aspirations.
“People have asked me, ‘What do you want? Do you want to be governor or senator?’ No,” he said.
“I just want to promote the best interests of our people.”
Outlining his broader objectives, Momodu stated: “My mission in politics is to join hands of fellowship with citizens of like minds to rescue, recover, and reset Nigeria. Nigeria must be rescued from a one-party state and one parliament.”
He hailed the ADC as “the new opposition coalition in Nigeria,” marking the Benin City gathering as the initial phase of his renewed political engagement.
Reflecting on his roots, the 65-year-old media mogul revealed it had taken him more than three decades to reconnect with his ancestral homeland in Edo, thanks to the guidance of Senator Isa Raymond.
Momodu also highlighted his long-established professional base abroad, saying: “It took me over 50 years — you won’t believe it — of excruciating hard work and meticulous planning to plant roots for my modest income in the United States. Today, nobody can say I have no roots in the United States. But today, I am standing before you as I firmly reintegrate myself into the political process of my state.”
He pledged to focus on advancing Edo’s political landscape and enhancing residents’ well-being through his involvement in the party.
