KEY POINTS

• Dele Momodu has formally joined the African Democratic Congress, citing concern over Nigeria’s democratic direction.
• He says his political return is driven by national interest, not plans to seek elective office.
• Momodu called for broad citizen participation to prevent the rise of a one party state.

Dele Momodu, a veteran journalist and former presidential candidate, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress.

He says this is not for personal gain but rather a principled return to active politics.

Momodu said at his membership declaration in Benin City on Thursday that Nigeria is moving toward political dominance by one party, which he believes is a threat to the balance of democracy.

He said he joined the ADC because he wanted to protect pluralism and work for the common good of the country.

The event was what he called a personal and political homecoming, coming decades after he traced his family history and reconnected with his home state.

Roots, reflection and resolve

Momodu thought back on his years outside of Nigeria, especially in the United States, where he said he worked for decades to make the economy stable. He said that experience gave him the freedom and point of view he needed to get back into Nigerian politics on his own terms.

He thanked Senator Isa Raymond for his help during his first trip home, saying that their relationship was key to his reintegration. Momodu said that those personal connections helped him feel more responsible for the political process again.

Momodu put an end to rumors about his possible political ambitions by saying he wasn’t running for office. He said he wasn’t interested in becoming a senator or governor, but rather in helping the opposition as a whole by giving them ideas, structure, and support.

He said that the ADC was a growing coalition of opposition groups that could fight against political concentration and promote issue-based politics all over the country.