₦airaland Forum

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.

CoronaVirusPro:
ADC is a hospice home. You can hardly find a functioning resource in the entire party.

Not even one sitting governor, or heavy weight.

Entire party littered with losers.

anonimi:
May 1, 2025

May Day: Hunger, unemployment, insecurity real— Tinubu

According to him: “The theme demands our collective attention and serves as a stark reminder of the need to create an environment where every worker feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our nation. As your President, I assure you that this administration is committed to creating such an environment for the common good.”

On the economic hardship, he noted that while it is a global phenomenon, its effects on Nigerians are particularly severe.

Tinubu said: “I am aware of the peculiarities of the economic hardship Nigerians face—rising living costs, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, and the loss of livelihoods. These challenges are real and demand definitive solutions, which I am poised to address as your President.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/05/may-day-hunger-unemployment-insecurity-real-tinubu/

ogascomax:
Let ADC be gaining momentum gradually. If you think you will rate ADC with the by-election you must be joking. Any election you conducted during those period are normally rubbish.

Nahunger:
PDAPC

All this dumping and decamping, it's all for person interest, none is for the interest of common Nigerians..

If you are a young man here go and learn a trade, computer skills or professional sports and earn a living.

The government was never designed to serve you, don't waste your youth waiting for government to fix your problems.

Use your hands, read books and free your mind from the express slavery of waiting.

Open a Barbing saloon, restaurant, spar anything legitimate and feed your family.

That's my advice.

Most importantly stay away from broke women and feminist, they will destroy you.

InfoGuru118:
https://news360ng.com/mass-exodus-hits-pdp-as-ex-pary-chairman-other-lagos-leaders-join-adc/

cjudy:
Make una no Dey announce am. Let APC for them to keep saying ADC is confuse

AMINDA:
They said they are not bothered because they won buy-election but yet, they have branded Aregbesola a betrayer. Tinubu lost Lagos in the presidential election but Lagosians were still conscious enough to vote Sanwo-olu in the gubernatorial (after Aregbe was begged to intervene in Alimosho). This was the case in several other APC states across the North and South with incumbent APC governors. Who says 2027 will be any different?

autoez:
They're not relevant to PDP, so why wouldn't they decamp to ADC. PDP is just an ordinary party in Lagos, they have never made any impact in any form so no one cares.

Honestey:
Former, Ex, One Time, Previous, erstwhile, sometime.... you gherrit?