On Saturday, political drama played out in Lagos as former Lagos State PDP Chairman, Tunji Shelle, finally dumped the party and crossed over to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Shelle didn’t make the move alone. He was joined by several big names in the PDP and even a few from the Labour Party, all of them received at an affirmation ceremony in Lagos. The atmosphere was charged as they openly accused the PDP of being consumed by “gross indiscipline and endless crises.”
Those who defected alongside Shelle include former PDP Board of Trustees member Abimbola Ogunkelu, ex-state PDP Chairman Muritala Ashorobi, PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos East) Tai Benedict, former Youth Leader Niyi Adams, and ex-South West Secretary Rahman Owokoniran. They were welcomed into the ADC family by none other than the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, and other top leaders.
Shelle, explaining his decision, didn’t hold back. He accused the PDP leadership of turning a blind eye to what he called the “destabilising activities” of some national figures. His biggest criticism was directed at FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, whom he accused of openly working for the ruling APC while still holding on to his PDP membership.
“Wike cannot hijack the party and the rest of us act helpless. One man cannot be working for APC and at the same time keep PDP in bondage. I don’t accept that,” Shelle said, visibly frustrated.
According to him, with his defection and that of other leaders, PDP in Lagos has been emptied out.
But it wasn’t all complaints. Shelle spoke glowingly of his new political home, describing the ADC as a party of “tested and trusted politicians” with the capacity to genuinely challenge APC in 2027. Unlike PDP, he said, ADC was free of distractions and political buy-overs. He also expressed strong confidence in the leadership of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, stressing that both men had what it takes to lead the party to victory.
Other defectors echoed his views. Former South West PDP Secretary Rahman Owokoniran declared bluntly: “PDP is gone, there is nothing there. ADC is the only chance to face APC.”
PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos East), Tai Benedict, went further, hinting that the wave of defections had just begun: “We are emptying PDP members into ADC. Others are still coming; they’re only waiting to take their last supper before joining us.”
Former Youth Leader Niyi Adams also revealed that more than 5,000 members across Lagos’ 20 LGAs had already moved over to ADC, adding that they were determined to work tirelessly to secure victory in the 2027 elections.
For Shelle and his camp, the PDP is already a sinking ship. And if their words are anything to go by, ADC is where the real battle for 2027 will be staged.
