All is now set for a former presidential candidate, Aare Dele Momodu to formally defect to the ADC, marking his latest move in Nigeria’s fast-evolving opposition politics.
Momodu, a political ally of Atiku, is among prominent opposition figures pushing for a broad-based coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
The coalition effort, still in its formative stages, is drawing politicians from across party lines who argue that Nigeria requires a unified opposition platform to counter the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress and safeguard democratic governance.
The declaration event is scheduled to hold in Benin City, the Edo State capital, at the new ADC State Secretariat, with leading party officials and political stakeholders expected to attend.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the Ovation Magazine publisher expressed excitement ahead of his formal defection and urged Nigerians to rally around what he described as a rescue mission for the nation’s democracy.
He said, “It’s a homecoming for me because, as they say, all politics is local. Tomorrow (Thursday), I will formally join the ADC and, as a proud son of Edo State, I will be paying homage to our elders from the state, some of whom have already joined us in the ADC.
“Our leaders, including former governor John Oyegun and former federal lawmaker, Yisa Braimoh, will be there. After the event, I will also visit my village to celebrate freedom with my people, many of whom have already identified with the ADC platform.”
Momodu said his defection aligns with the wider opposition effort to build a formidable coalition capable of challenging President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, noting that fragmented opposition parties stand little chance against an incumbent administration without a united front.
Against this backdrop, he called on Nigerians to rise above partisan loyalties in defence of democracy.
“I call on Nigerians, regardless of party affiliation, to join hands in shielding our beloved country from the emerging one-man dictatorship in Nigeria. We must protect the democracy won for us by the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola of blessed memory.
“So, whether you are in the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party, the Labour Party or any other platform, we must come together to rescue democracy in Nigeria,” he added.
Momodu further stressed that his decision to join the ADC was not driven by personal ambition for elective office but by what he described as a higher national interest, insisting that democracy must be protected at all costs in the interest of the nation and its citizens.
Credit: punchng.com
