Defection Galore: Former PDP Chairman, Many Others Dump Party For ADC In Their State – SIXT-MEDIA LANE
A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, retired Capt. Tunji Shelle, on Saturday announced his resignation from the party and officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), News360 Nigeria reports.
The move, which took place during an affirmation ceremony in Lagos, saw Shelle joined by other PDP heavyweights and some members of the Labour Party.
Among them were former PDP Board of Trustees member, Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, former Lagos PDP Chairman, Chief Muritala Ashorobi, PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos East), Tai Benedict, former Youth Leader, Chief Niyi Adams, and ex-South West Secretary, Rahman Owokoniran.
The ADC National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, alongside other party leaders, formally received the defectors.
Speaking at the event, Shelle explained that he and others left the PDP due to what he described as “gross indiscipline and endless crises” within the party.
He expressed disappointment over the inability of the PDP leadership to curb “destabilising activities” allegedly orchestrated by some of its top members.
He specifically accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, of undermining the PDP by working for the All Progressives Congress (APC) while still claiming membership of the opposition party.
“Wike cannot hijack the party while others watch helplessly. One man cannot claim to be in PDP but openly work for APC. I think the leaders are compromised,” Shelle said.
He added that their defection had further drained the PDP’s strength in Lagos.
“PDP is now empty with all its leaders moving to ADC in Lagos,” he declared.
Shelle described the ADC as a party of “tested and trusted politicians” with the capacity to challenge the ruling APC in 2027, praising its interim leader, Sen. David Mark, and Aregbesola for their leadership qualities.
“There are no distractions in ADC. Its leaders cannot be bought.”
“The party has what it takes to rescue Nigeria and deliver the country people desire,” he added, while urging Nigerians to join the ADC movement.
Other defectors also echoed similar sentiments. Owokoniran declared that the PDP had lost its way, saying, “PDP is gone, there is nothing there. ADC is the only opportunity to challenge APC.”
Tai Benedict revealed that more PDP leaders and members were preparing to join the ADC, while Chief Niyi Adams claimed that over 5,000 PDP members across Lagos had already defected.
Adams said the group would work hard to secure victory for ADC in 2027, doubting the PDP’s ability to resolve its lingering crisis even after its November National Convention.
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