Oyo PDP chieftain Abidikugu dumps party for ADC

Veteran grassroots politician and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader in Ibadan South East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Pa Tiamiyu Abidikugu, has resigned from the PDP along with his supporters, defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The political shift was formalized on Tuesday at a well-attended declaration rally, where Abidikugu openly criticized the PDP’s internal operations.

He accused the party at both state and national levels of abandoning its founding principles of fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness.

Why Abidikugu Left the PDP

Abidikugu explained that his resignation followed months of reflection and consultation with his political associates and family members.

In a resignation letter addressed to his Ward 10 leader, with copies sent to the Ibadan South East PDP Chairman, Engr. Sulaimon Adekunle, and the State PDP Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, he detailed his grievances.

“The persistent lack of internal democracy, fairness, transparency, and discipline within the PDP has made it impossible for me to remain a member. Across all levels, lack of sincerity and fairness, coupled with unchecked anti-party activities, have become the norm,” he said.

“The PDP I helped to build has become a shadow of itself, where a few individuals dictate the fate of members without consulting local leaders, youths, or the wider membership. I can no longer, in good conscience, be part of these undemocratic practices.”

He lamented that the party has drifted far from the ideals envisioned at its founding in Oyo State, adding that the environment now suppresses rather than supports genuine political engagement.

Why He Chose the ADC

Announcing his defection, Abidikugu described the African Democratic Congress as a “home for all” and a platform committed to promoting inclusiveness, party discipline, and genuine democratic values.

“The ADC offers every citizen the freedom to dream, aspire, and lead without fear, suppression, or discrimination,” he said. “It stands for fairness, transparency, and the urgent need to rescue Oyo State and Nigeria from the grip of self-serving leaders.”

He urged youths and marginalized groups to join the ADC, framing his move as a call for justice, equity, and integrity in governance.

ADC Welcomes Abidikugu

Presenting the party flag to Abidikugu, ADC State Chairman, Alhaji Yinka Olona, described the defection as a “painful and sorrowful day” for the PDP but a major boost for the ADC. He praised Abidikugu as one of the founding fathers of the PDP in Oyo State and promised that the ADC would not repeat the internal democracy failures he experienced in his former party.

“ADC is well-structured, disciplined, and will not allow the impurities found in the APC and PDP,” Olona said. “When we assume power in 2027, we will address insecurity, revive the economy, and restore hope to Nigerians.”

Political Impact Ahead of Bye-Election

The ADC candidate for the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election scheduled for Saturday, Dr. Femi Dexter Akin-Alamu, hailed Abidikugu’s move as a positive sign for the party’s electoral prospects.

“With Baba Abidikugu on our side, ADC will be stronger and more united going into the bye-election,” Akin-Alamu said.

The defection underscores the ongoing political realignments in Oyo State, as parties position themselves for the 2027 general elections.