The membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State got increased as some leaders and elders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) joined the party, citing “gross indiscipline and endless crises” in PDP.
Part of those leaders who shifted ground were ex-chairmen of the Lagos PDP, Capt. Tunji Shelle (rtd), popularly known as O’Shelle, and Chief Muritala Ashorobi ( Baba Ashorobi).
Others include; the current PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos East) Tai Benedict, former Youth Leader Chief Niyi Adams, and ex-South West Secretary Rahman Owokoniran.
According to the defectors, they are defecting to the ADC with their supporters across the 20 local government areas.
Shelle speaking at the affirmation ceremony in Lagos, said the defection was driven by frustration with PDP’s leadership, adding “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 and that the party has capacity to challenge APC in 2027, adding “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. I urge 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. We decided to move to a party that is strong, focused, and capable of making a real difference”.
Corroborating Shelle, 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.”
