Defections weaken PDP unity as Dele Momodu, Iduroiyekemwen, and others exit over lost values, dealing fresh blows ahead of 2027 realignments
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faced a fresh internal crisis on Thursday as defections weaken PDP unity, with prominent figures including Dele Momodu and Matthew Iduroiyekemwen officially resigning their membership, citing a breakdown in the party’s democratic ethos.
Also read: Dele Momodu Resigns from PDP over Takeover by Antidemocratic Forces
Momodu, a renowned journalist and former Director of Strategic Communications for Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 campaign, made his departure public in a letter dated July 17 addressed to his ward chairman in Edo State.
He accused the PDP of falling into the hands of anti-democratic forces.
“Our party has been hijacked in broad daylight. It’s honourable to abandon this carcass to them,” he stated, declaring his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The blow came just two days after Atiku Abubakar himself formally severed ties with the party, a move that rattled core loyalists and triggered fresh speculation about broader opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Joining Momodu was Matthew Iduroiyekemwen, the Director-General of the Asue/Ogie 2024 Edo governorship campaign.
In his resignation to Ikpoba-Okha Ward 5 PDP officials, Iduroiyekemwen lamented that the party no longer represented inclusivity or the founding ideals upon which it once thrived.
“After deep reflection, I have come to the painful conclusion that the PDP no longer aligns with the vision of a democratic, inclusive party,” he wrote, confirming his intention to step away from politics temporarily to focus on family and business interests.
His departure is particularly disruptive to the PDP’s campaign machinery in Edo State ahead of the pivotal September election.
The wave of resignations did not end there. Suleiman Aminu Raqasu, a grassroots youth leader from Kazaure in Jigawa State, also defected from the PDP to the ADC.
The PDP is a carcass now. It’s honourable to abandon it.
Raqasu said he had consulted with high-profile figures, including Atiku and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, before making his decision.
“The Boss has left the party, so it’s better for me to leave too,” he declared.
According to Raqasu, months of consultations with political advisers, community leaders, and cross-party contacts convinced him the PDP no longer offered a viable platform for aspiring politicians.
“My people depend on me, and I had to choose a platform with a future,” he said, positioning the ADC as a rejuvenated platform for progressive realignment.
Daily Trust reports indicate that Atiku and El-Rufai are co-leading an emerging coalition of opposition voices under the ADC, aimed at providing a united front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Despite the recent high-profile defections, the PDP leadership has attempted to downplay the crisis.
A senior party official told reporters the exits do not fundamentally affect the party’s structure.
“We are unbothered by those leaving. People come and go, and the PDP remains strong,” the source said.
However, political observers suggest the trend signifies deeper instability.
The convergence of discontent across regions and factions appears to be creating a tipping point.
With veteran strategists and grassroots mobilisers abandoning ship, the PDP may struggle to maintain relevance without serious internal reform.
Also read: ADC Not a Threat to PDP Dominance in Bauchi, Says Chiroma
As defections weaken PDP unity, the stage appears set for an opposition realignment that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections.
