Why we defected to ADC — Ex-Lagos PDP chairman, other chieftains

A former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, retired Capt. Tunji Shelle, alongside other party stalwarts, has officially resigned from PDP and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing “gross indiscipline and endless crises” in their former party.

Shelle, accompanied by former PDP BOT member Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu, ex-State 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, were received into ADC at an affirmation ceremony in Lagos by ADC National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and other party leaders.

Speaking to NAN, Shelle said the defection was driven by frustration with PDP’s leadership.

“PDP leaders, like the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, are not working for the progress of the party.

“Wike cannot hijack the party, and the rest of us continue to look as if we are helpless or we are no human beings. I don’t take it. I don’t like being subjected to such ridicule,” he said, accusing Wike of working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) while still claiming PDP membership.

Shelle also expressed confidence in ADC’s leadership, stressing the party’s capacity to challenge APC in 2027. “ADC has all it takes to save the situation in Nigeria and give the people the country of their dream. There is no distraction in ADC.

“The party leaders are not people anyone can buy over,” he added, urging Nigerians to join the movement. “People are behind us; we are not fighting the battle alone. With Nigerians behind us, ADC will definitely make a difference.”

Other defectors echoed Shelle’s sentiments. Owokoniran said, “PDP is gone, there is nothing there. ADC is the only opportunity to challenge the ruling APC.”

Tai Benedict hinted that more PDP leaders were preparing to join ADC, saying, “We are emptying PDP members in Lagos State into ADC. Others are on the way; they want to take their last supper before coming.”

Chief Niyi Adams, a former Lagos State PDP Youth Leader, claimed that over 5,000 PDP members had defected to ADC across the 20 local governments in Lagos.

He added that the defectors would work tirelessly to ensure ADC’s success in the 2027 general elections.

Shelle concluded that PDP’s persistent internal crises were unlikely to be resolved, even with the upcoming November National Convention.

“We decided to move to a party that is strong, focused, and capable of making a real difference,” he said.

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