WHY SHEDRACH UDUGBAI DUMPED PDP FOR ADC: THE POLITICAL WEIGHT, THE RECORD, AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR OWAN AND EDO STATE

The resignation of Hon. Shedrach Udugbai from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to generate strong political reactions across Edo State, particularly in Owan East and Owan West, where his influence and political footprint are deeply rooted.

In a formal resignation letter dated January 30, 2026, Hon. Udugbai officially announced his withdrawal from the PDP, citing fundamental ideological collapse, persistent internal crisis, and the loss of democratic integrity within the party’s national structure. His decision marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new political chapter under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to the resignation letter, Udugbai described his decision as “weighty but unavoidable,” stressing that the unending rancour, internal chaos, and erosion of internal democracy within the PDP had made continued membership incompatible with his political values.

He argued that a political party that once stood as a pillar of democratic opposition has, in his view, become weakened by factional interests and leadership failures, leaving it ill-prepared to confront Nigeria’s mounting national challenges.

Beyond internal party issues, Udugbai framed his resignation within the broader national emergency confronting Nigeria—rising poverty, catastrophic insecurity, youth disillusionment, and governance failure. He maintained that the moment demands decisive action and strategic realignment, not political comfort or nostalgia.

Rather than retreating from politics, he chose to align with a broader opposition coalition anchored by ADC, aimed at providing a credible alternative to the ruling APC and restoring democratic accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Hon. Shedrach Udugbai is widely regarded as one of the most articulate political communicators and strategic organisers to emerge from Ivbimion, Owan East Local Government Area.

He served under the PDP-led Edo State Government first as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) and later as Special Adviser on Youth Affairs, positions that placed him at the heart of youth mobilisation, policy communication, and political strategy.

Through these roles, Udugbai became known for:

Bridging the gap between government and grassroots youth groups

Defending government policies in hostile political environments

Mobilising young people for civic participation and political engagement

Providing strategic communication during critical political moments

His experience in governance provided him with an uncommon blend of grassroots credibility and elite political exposure, earning him respect both within and outside party lines.

In Owan East, Udugbai has long been identified as a grassroots politician, deeply connected to local realities rather than Abuja-style politics. He played key roles in:

Party mobilisation at ward and LGA levels

Political enlightenment and youth advocacy

Strengthening PDP structures during election cycles

Acting as a bridge between state leadership and local stakeholders

His influence was such that, at the recently concluded PDP State Congress, party leaders reportedly offered him any position zoned to Owan East Local Government Area, an offer he declined—signalling that his eventual exit was driven by principle rather than ambition.

Observers note that few politicians from the area combine political communication skills, organisational discipline, and grassroots loyalty the way Udugbai does.

Reacting to the defection, Hon. Daniel Asekhame, a two-term Local Government Chairman and ADC leader in Owan West, described Udugbai’s move as a strategic gain for the African Democratic Congress and the wider opposition movement.

According to Hon. Asekhame:

“Hon. Shedrach Udugbai’s coming to ADC will significantly boost the party. He is not just a former Special Adviser; he is a grassroots politician with credibility, structure, and reach. His entry will drive a progressive membership surge in Owan East and Owan West, and its impact will be felt across Edo State as a whole.”

Asekhame further noted that Udugbai’s defection reflects a growing dissatisfaction among experienced politicians with the old political order and a shift toward platforms that prioritise ideology, internal democracy, and people-centred politics.

“ADC is fast becoming the home for principled politicians who are tired of empty slogans and internal betrayal. With leaders like Udugbai joining forces with ADC across the state, we are building a formidable, people-driven structure ahead of 2027,” he added.

Within ADC circles, Udugbai is seen as a frontline opposition asset—a tested organiser capable of strengthening party structures, sharpening political messaging, and expanding ADC’s reach in Edo North.

His defection is also symbolic. It sends a message that ADC is no longer a fringe platform, but a serious political force attracting experienced hands who have seen governance from the inside and are now repositioning for impact.

Despite his exit from PDP, Hon. Udugbai maintained a tone of gratitude in his resignation letter, thanking Edo PDP leaders and acknowledging H.E. Godwin Obaseki for the opportunity to serve. This approach has reinforced his image as a politician motivated by conviction, not bitterness.

As Edo State inches closer to the 2027 elections, political observers believe that the defection of figures like Hon. Shedrach Udugbai—backed by leaders such as Hon. Daniel Asekhame—signals a gradual but consequential political realignment in Owan land and across the state.What is clear is this: Shadrach did not leave politics; he changed platforms. And in ADC, he appears ready to return to the frontline where, as his supporters say, he truly belongs.

Prime news Desk.