‘The soul of PDP has been hijacked’ — Ex-Reps member Maduabum joins ADC

Cyril Maduabum, a former Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum and two-term federal lawmaker, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The defection, which took place over the weekend, adds fresh momentum to the ADC’s coalition drive as it continues to attract disenchanted politicians from mainstream parties.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Maduabum delivered a scathing critique of the PDP, describing it as a party adrift and overrun by opportunists.

“The PDP today is a shadow of its former self. It has descended into chaos, internal betrayal, and systematic destruction by diverse forces who have no regard for the principles upon which the party was founded,” he said.

“These forces are not interested in party discipline or national development. They are only driven by narrow, self-serving power grabs that have eroded the PDP’s identity and legacy.

“Sadly, those who attempt to reform the PDP are no longer welcome. They are either vilified, silenced, or pushed aside by individuals who have weaponised the system to serve their own ends.

“I can no longer, in good conscience, remain in a house that has been stripped of its moral compass and overrun by opportunists.”

The former PDP chieftain stated that his decision to join the ADC resulted from months of soul-searching and consultations with political associates, youth groups, and reform-minded leaders.

“After deep reflection, extensive consultations, and careful evaluation of the current political realities within the PDP, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to resign my membership with immediate effect,” he said.

“As someone who has dedicated a significant portion of my political life to building the PDP as a vehicle for national development, this is not a decision I take lightly. But the party I helped build no longer exists in its original form.”

Maduabum said the ADC stands out as the only credible alternative for Nigerians seeking good governance, inclusion, and leadership built on integrity.

“The ADC is emerging as a beacon of hope for good governance, integrity, accountability, and inclusive politics. It offers the opportunity for principled politics and genuine people-oriented leadership,” he said.

“This is the kind of platform Nigeria needs to rebuild from the grassroots up—one that is driven by ideas, not godfathers; by inclusion, not exclusion; by hope, not fear.

“I join the ADC not merely as a defector, but as a reformer committed to helping build a new political culture. This culture must be based on merit, ideology, discipline, youth inclusion, and national unity.

“The time has come for all well-meaning Nigerians to rise above the dysfunction in traditional parties and chart a new course. That course is through the ADC.”

Maduabum said he remains committed to democratic ideals and is ready to continue the fight for a better Nigeria under a fresh political banner.