The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially welcomed popular journalist, publisher, and political commentator, Chief Dele Momodu, into its fold, describing his decision as the right choice as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
The party made this known in a statement posted on its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, a day after Momodu publicly declared his decision to join the opposition coalition under the ADC platform.
Momodu, who is the publisher of Ovation International magazine, made the announcement on Thursday in Benin City, the Edo State capital, while addressing supporters and members of the opposition coalition. His defection has since attracted wide reactions within political circles across the country.
Reacting to his decision, the ADC said it was delighted to receive Momodu into the party, noting his long-standing contribution to journalism, public debate, and national discourse.
“We are delighted to officially welcome the Publisher of Ovation International and former presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party, Dele Momodu, to the ADC. You made the right choice,” the party said.
Momodu, while speaking to his supporters in Benin City, explained that his decision to join the ADC was driven by his desire to promote the interests of Nigerians and contribute to the growth of democracy. He stressed that he was not joining the party to contest for any political office, either in Edo State or at the national level.
“I am not here because I want to run for any office,” Momodu said. “I am here because I believe in the need to speak for the people and support a movement that can bring positive change to Nigeria.”
He added that the country needs strong opposition voices to hold the ruling party accountable and offer Nigerians alternative ideas for governance. According to him, democracy can only thrive when there is healthy competition and active participation from citizens.
Dele Momodu is a well-known media figure in Nigeria and beyond. Through Ovation International magazine, which he founded in the 1990s, he has interviewed and profiled prominent personalities from politics, business, entertainment, and sports across Africa and the diaspora.
Beyond journalism, Momodu has also been active in politics for many years. In 2011, he contested the presidential election on the platform of the National Conscience Party (NCP). Although he did not win, his candidacy earned him respect as a voice for democratic values, good governance, and freedom of expression.
In recent years, Momodu has been a strong critic of successive governments, using his media platforms to comment on national issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, corruption, and governance. His decision to formally align with an opposition party is therefore seen by many analysts as a significant development.
The ADC, founded in 2005, has positioned itself as an alternative platform for progressive politicians and reform-minded Nigerians. Although the party has not yet won a presidential election, it has continued to build structures across the country and has attracted members from different political backgrounds.
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, opposition parties have been making efforts to form alliances and strengthen their base to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The ruling party has been in power at the federal level since 2015.
Many Nigerians have expressed concern over issues such as rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity, and public debt. These challenges have increased pressure on opposition parties to present credible alternatives and unite around shared goals.
Reacting to the development, some ADC supporters described Momodu’s decision as timely, saying his experience and influence would add value to the party’s efforts to promote good governance and accountability.
Others, however, have pointed out that the success of any opposition movement will depend on unity, clear ideology, and the ability to connect with ordinary Nigerians at the grassroots level.
So far, Momodu has maintained that his role within the ADC will be that of a supporter and advocate rather than a candidate. He said he intends to use his voice and experience to encourage peaceful political engagement and issue-based campaigns.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the coming months are expected to see more realignments and declarations by politicians and public figures ahead of 2027.