BREAKING: Senator Gilbert Nnaji Dumps PDP After 27 Years, Joins ADC

Former Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone, Prince Gilbert Emeka Nnaji, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after 27 years of active membership, marking a significant political shift in Enugu State and the South-East region.

Senator Nnaji, a founding member of the PDP, announced his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a resignation letter dated December 26, 2026, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Umuenwene Ward, Iji Nike, in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. A copy of the letter was obtained by News Week Nigeria in Enugu on Monday.

In the letter titled “Notice of Resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)”, the former lawmaker stated that his decision to leave the party was difficult but unavoidable, describing the PDP as “irretrievably broken.”

“I respectfully inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, after 27 years,” Nnaji wrote. “Indeed, it was a difficult task to arrive at this conclusion. This is particularly given the national development prospects and opportunities that the PDP of our dreams held for our dear country, Nigeria.”

Reflecting on the origins of the party, Nnaji recalled that the PDP was established on strong democratic foundations rooted in unity, patriotism, justice, fairness, transparency, selflessness, and mutual respect. According to him, those values once positioned the party as a beacon of hope for national cohesion and democratic growth in Nigeria.

He noted that throughout his years in the party, he remained loyal and committed, contributing significantly to its growth and relevance at both state and national levels. “It is verifiable that over the years, and in various capacities, I was not only faithfully committed but also made immense contributions and added tremendous value to this once-largest party in Africa,” he stated.

However, the former senator lamented that recent internal developments and the direction of the party had convinced him that the PDP could no longer be salvaged.

“Recent developments have confirmed that the PDP of the Founding Fathers has become as irredeemable as it is irreparable. It is indeed unfortunate,” Nnaji declared, underscoring the depth of his disappointment with the party’s current state.

He further revealed that his decision followed wide consultations with his family, political associates, and respected stakeholders across the country. According to him, these engagements led to the conclusion that remaining in the PDP would no longer serve his vision of contributing meaningfully to national development.

“After extensive consultations with my family, associates, and other eminent citizens across Nigeria, I am left with the only option of seeking a better platform to continue to contribute to national development,” he said. “This is essential to further my passion for a Nigeria that works for Nigerians.”

Explaining his choice of a new political platform, Nnaji expressed confidence in the African Democratic Congress, describing it as a credible and promising alternative capable of driving the kind of reforms Nigeria urgently needs.

“For the record, I have found in the African Democratic Congress, ADC, a veritable and promising ground with great and motivated like-minded compatriots to join forces in redirecting the ship of our Nigerian state,” he added.

He concluded his letter by thanking the PDP leadership at the ward level for their understanding and wishing the party well, despite his strong criticisms.

Political observers say Nnaji’s exit from the PDP is another blow to the party in the South-East, a region traditionally regarded as one of its strongholds. His defection also adds momentum to the growing influence of the ADC, which has recently attracted several high-profile politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources confirmed that Senator Nnaji will formally declare for the ADC during a ceremony scheduled to hold in Enugu on Wednesday. The event is expected to attract top political figures from across the South-East and beyond, further signaling the ADC’s rising profile in the region.

Nnaji’s defection is likely to reshape political calculations in Enugu State, as analysts predict that his move could influence other long-standing PDP members who are increasingly dissatisfied with the party’s internal crises and leadership struggles.