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Tag: APC

  • 2027: Gov. Sule discusses Buhari, Malami allegedly leaving APC

    2027: Gov. Sule discusses Buhari, Malami allegedly leaving APC

    Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has dispel insinuations that former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, and others may leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the 2027 general election.

    This is in reaction to speculations that members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc, were threatening to leave the (APC) for allegedly being sidelined by the current administration.

    Sule stated this on Friday in Lafia at the grand reception in honour of the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Labaran Magaji, by the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Nasarawa State chapter.

    The governor, while commending the achievements of the APC administration under President Bola Tinubu, noted that those trying to divide the ranks of the party have failed.

    “There is nothing like taking CPC away. Our father, former President Muhammadu Buhari is CPC, no other person.

    “When he says CPC is with you, CPC is with you and the day he says CPC is not with you CPC is not with you. He keeps carrying his 12 million voters along with him anywhere he goes and he is not going anywhere from APC.

    “Those trying to take away our good products from the APC will not succeed. They want to take Malami away, but let me tell you that Malami is going nowhere.

    “That’s why we recently went to see Buhari in Kaduna and we said Baba you are not going anywhere.

    “Malami sir, you are not going anywhere, we are going to build this house together.” Sule said.

    Sule also revealed that 20 aspirants were already jostling for his position ahead of the 2027 election.

    He maintained that he had no anointed candidate, saying that only God would decide who would succeed him as governor of Nasarawa State in 2027.

    The governor pointed that that his administration had laid a solid economic  foundation for the next administration to build upon, added that he would leave the state debt-free.

    He said that the appointment of Magaji was due to his pedigree and excellent track record in public service.

    In his remarks, Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, appreciated Gov. Sule for his foresight in appointing Magaji as SSG to drive his administration’s vision for the state.

    He described Magaji as an all rounder, a technocrat per excellence, poised to drive Sule’s vision for a prosperous and united state through transparent governance.

    Malami urged stakeholders to rally round Magaji to deliver on the administration’s vision for accountability, transparency and inclusive development in governance.

    Also speaking, Alh. Safiyanu Andaha, Chairman of Nasarawa ALGON and Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area, said the event was organised in solidarity with Magaji, given his proven record of excellent public service.

    Andaha, who appreciated Gov. Sule for finding Magaji worthy of the appointment, also pledged their unalloyed support to the administration.

    On his part, Magaji, appreciated the leadership style of Gov. Sule and his disposition towards the prudent and efficient management of the state’s resources for the benefit of the people.

    He thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve in his administration.

  • Top PDP chieftain ‘exposes’ real reason Okowa defected to APC

    Top PDP chieftain ‘exposes’ real reason Okowa defected to APC

    Umar Sani, a former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2019 presidential campaign organization, has disclosed that the former Governor of Delta State Ifeanyi Okowa defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for personal interest rather than ideology.

    TheNewsGuru reported that the former Governor of Delta State said he defected to the APC to connect his state to the center and mainstream. He also faulted the capacity of PDP to win election in 2027.

    In response to the Okowa’s remark, Sani on Thursday dismissed Ifeanyi Okowa’s reason for defecting to the ruling party.

    “Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa finds himself in the eye of a political storm. His defection to the APC isn’t entirely surprising, but it was his interview that truly stirred the hornet’s nest. There, he raised four issues, each revealing more about self-preservation than ideology. His comments came across less as principles and more as political gaslighting,” he said.

    The PDP Chieftain also decried Okowa‘s statement that he regretted becoming PDP’s vice presidential candidate in 2019.

    “If Okowa now regrets running alongside Atiku Abubakar in 2023, the question becomes: was he honest then, or is he being dishonest now?

    “One doesn’t suddenly regret standing with a candidate unless loyalty is never genuine. This isn’t about opposing his people it’s about unfulfilled ambition,” he stated.

    He contended Okowa’s claim to connect Delta to the center, noting that Okowa once described APC as a disaster. He stressed that as PDP governor, Okowa did not join APC to connect to the center.

    “This claim is misleading. Delta didn’t send Okowa to negotiate asylum at the ‘center’. Delta hasn’t been brought anywhere Okowa merely joined a new alliance for personal security.

    “Ask Deltans: Does joining a party he once called ‘a disaster’ serve their interests? He had eight years as governor during APC’s national rule. Why didn’t he integrate then?

    “Leaders like Tinubu and Buhari remained in opposition without defecting. Okowa’s move isn’t vision, it’s vindication,” he argued.

    The former spokesman of former Vice President Namadi Sambo added that Okowa’s interview on his defection was staged by APC to discredit the PDP.

    “Okowa now says the PDP isn’t ready for 2027 but this is the party that gave him everything: commissioner, governor, vice-presidential candidate.

    “Is he saying the house he helped build is uninhabitable? If so, isn’t he partly responsible? This is scorched-earth politics destroying a party, then blaming others.

  • Adeleke speaks on defection to APC

    Adeleke speaks on defection to APC

    Osun governor, Ademola Adeleke has described rumours that he is set to abandon the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC as “fake news emanating from those intimidated by his ‘extraordinary. performance in state leadership.

    Adeleke dismisses the alleged plot to join APC at a strategic closed door meeting with leaders, elders and top federal and state officials of Osun chapter of PDP in Osogbo, the Osun State capital on Wednesday night.

    Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the Governor said in a statement that the meeting was held at the Banquet Hall of the Government was coordinated by PDP State Chairman, Hon Sunday Bisi and attended by House Speaker, Rt Hon Adewale Egbedun and members of the State assembly,

    The meeting was also attended by all critical top leaders of the party with former governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola addressing the meeting virtually while Prof Wale Oladipo, the Chairman of Imole Movement declared PDP as a home for all genuine lovers of Osun people.

    He also quoted the 1999 governorship candidate of PDP and life member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Oluwole Alabi and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Lasun Yusuf described PDP as an agent of development and human empowerment in the statement.

    A PDP member of the House of Representatives, representing PDP members of the Federal House , Akanni Olohunwa applauded the extensive positive transformation Osun is witnessing and affirmed that PDP is sure of victory in any future electoral contest.

    The statement indicated that Adeleke declared unequivocally to the PDP leaders that that he has no plan to quit the party now or in the future.

    “My people, party elders and chiefs, I declare before you today that I am not defecting to APC or any other political party. I remain in PDP. Ignore any fake news”, the Governor declared.

    The meeting ended with a communique issued by the stakeholders’ forum signed by Hon Sunday Bisi.

    In the communique, the PDP leaders passed vote of confidence and endorsement on the state governor for his equitable and efficient leadership.

    They also re-endorsed the governor for second term as the sole candidate of the party for the 2026 election while commending extensive delivery of dividends of democracy and good governance across all sectors of Osun society;

    They also welcomed and applaud the declaration by the State Governor that he has no plan either now or in the future to defect to the All Progressive Congress(APC) or any other political party;

    They also welcomed and applaud declaration by other top leaders of the party that they are not quitting the PDP for APC or any other party;

    They hailed the party executive and leaders as well as elected and appointed officials from Oriade/Obokun federal constituency for remaining steadfast with the PDP and rejecting recent defections by an ungrateful lone ranger;

    They also commended the strategies of the state leadership in tackling and managing the local government leadership crisis, hailing the approach as akin to winning a war without firing a shot and endorsed the due process approach to the local government crisis and urge for further patience from all stakeholders;

    The PDP leaders also commended the state leadership of the party for managing the party affairs with calm and wisdom, declaring that the State PDP is strongly footed to win future contests;

    The Osun PDP leaders also expressed optimism that the national chapter of the party is working to resolve its internal challenges and that the outcome will result in a party more united and well positioned for future victories.

     

  • Ughelli/Udu Constituency Forum Backs Oborevwori’s Defection To APC

    Ughelli/Udu Constituency Forum Backs Oborevwori’s Defection To APC

    The Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency Forum has expressed strong support for the defection of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a bold and visionary step with great potential for the people of Delta State.

    Governor Oborevwori, along with the entire Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Delta State, officially joined the APC on Monday, marking a new chapter in the state’s political landscape.

    Chairman of the Forum, Olorogun John Oguma, declared the Forum’s unwavering support for the governor’s political realignment, calling it a strategic move that promises increased developmental opportunities for Deltans.

    “This is a courageous and calculated decision by our Governor. It goes beyond party politics—it’s about delivering greater value and unlocking new possibilities for our people. We believe this defection will open more doors for federal support and foster better synergy in governance,” Oguma stated.

    He further assured that the Forum would continue to back the governor, expressing confidence in his ability to fulfill his promises under the new political platform.

    “Our Forum is fully committed to supporting him. We urge all sons and daughters of the constituency to remain united during this new phase of our political journey. Our shared goal remains the development, peace, and prosperity of all Deltans,” he added.

    Oguma also called on the people of Delta State to continue supporting the governor’s MORE agenda, emphasizing that it remains active and will only be enhanced under the new political alignment.

  • We’ll welcome Ibori to APC – Oborevwori+Photos

    We’ll welcome Ibori to APC – Oborevwori+Photos

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed optimism that they would welcome former Governor James Ibori to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

    Speaking during the vigil mass in honour of the former Deputy Governor of the state, Professor Amos Utuama, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local Government Area on Tuesday, Oborevwori stressed the need for unity of the Urhobo political class.

    Paying glowing tribute to the late Prof. Amos Utuama, the Governor highlighted his selfless contributions, saying; “I am very happy to be here today, seeing this large gathering for one man. The preaching today is not about the dead, it is about the living.

    “There are many things he did while he was alive. I will mention just a few key ones. The land allocated to him in Asaba while he was Deputy Governor, he donated it to the Catholic Church and also contributed to building the church. To me, that is a kingdom investment.”

    Governor Oborevwori prayed that the passing of the late Prof. Utuama would bring peace and unity to Ughelli South and the entire Urhobo nation.

    He extolled Utuama’s virtues, noting that he lived a purposeful life: “He lived well and died well.”

    In his exhortation, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ewherido, affirmed that the late Prof. Amos Utuama lived an impactful life in both the Church and society.

    Bishop Ewherido condoled with the family and urged them to uphold his legacy of godliness, humility, charity, and selflessness.

    He described the death of a Christian as a transition to eternal glory and reminded all of the need to accept Christ while alive to enjoy eternity after physical death.

    The Bishop called for continued unity among the political class for the peace and development of Delta State.

    Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Ovie Utuama, a son of the deceased, thanked everyone for their support and requested prayers during this difficult period.

  • You won’t regret joining us – APC assures Jandor

    You won’t regret joining us – APC assures Jandor

    The State Executive Committee (SEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State, has assured the 2023 PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, who recently returned to the ruling party, that he will not regret coming to the party.

    The  State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, gave the  assurance on Tuesday, when Adediran (popularly known as Jandor), led his Lagos4Lagos team to the state party secretariat to officially meet the party’s executive committee.

    Stating that the party was large enough to accommodate Adediran and his supporters, Ojelabi said that Adediran would forever be grateful for returning into the APC family, as a foundation member.

    Welcoming Adediran back to APC, the Chairman said: ” We were together, driving this party and growing this party before, it was just a matter of conviction that led to what happened.

    “Realising that he (Adediran ) has a role to play as an indigene of the state now that we approach the 2027 general elections, he has decided to be part of us.

    “We can see the calibre of people that accompanied him, I actually restricted the number, and to us, it s a welcome development to have Jandor back home.

    “I want to assure you that you have taken the right step. This is your party.

    “I am pretty sure that the step taken  today April 29, won’t be regretted. We have accepted his reunion into the party. I bet you, you won’t regret the step taken.,”,he said.

    Ojelabi, accompanied by members of the APC state exco, said that the party had put machinery in place to re-integrate  Adediran and accommodate  his structure in APC.

    Describing Adediran’s return to APC as historic, the chairman said he first got the hint off his return from  the Presidential Villa in Abuja

    He said  the party would soon  schedule a stakeholders’  meeting to  announce to the entire APC members that Adediran and his followers had become full members of APC.

    Earlier , Adediran said: “After my resignation from PDP and announcement of joining the APC, today is my very first official visit to the party secretariat to meet the state executive committee.

    “We have come to brief Mr Chairman of the plan for the mass declaration and official movement into the APC in our usual manner, which we are going to announce very soon.

    “This is not our declaration proper, this is just to come and formally inform you of our decision to return home and to the APC family. We are happy to come back to the winning family.

    “We have come to join our numerical strength to that of the existing party strength to ensure that we keep winning for Nigerians.

    “Our focus is to see how we can dismantle all the gang up in the name of coalition against Mr President and work to return back as President of Nigeria in 2027.”

    On his political ambition, Adediran said that he would continue to exercise his constitutional rights in all elections.

    He said that he had not come to the party to fight for  positions or to dislodge anyone, but to ensure APC continues to win both at the centre and at the state level.

    The politician  promised to support the  party’s candidates for  elective positions in 2027.

    “We are ready to submit ourselves to the party’s constitution,” he said.

    Urging Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents to keep hope  alive, Adediran called for support for President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    NAN recalls that Adediran resigned from the PDP on March 3, citing indiscipline and betrayal by party leaders.

    Adediran, who leads the Lagos4Lagos Movement and was once an APC governorship aspirant, defected to the PDP from APC in 2022.

  • Delta PDP’s move to APC driven by state’s political interest – Rep. Ukodhiko

    Delta PDP’s move to APC driven by state’s political interest – Rep. Ukodhiko

    The Member representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, has described the recent mass defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives ConIgress (APC) in Delta State as a bold and strategic step aimed at safeguarding the state’s political future.

    Speaking during an interviewu on Channels Television’s Lunch Time Politics, Ukodhiko said the decision to join the APC was made after careful consideration and in the best interest of the state.

    According to the lawmaker, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s move demonstrates leadership and a commitment to the collective interests of Deltans, rather than personal gain.

    “Looking at the broader picture, the Governor is doing very well, as many have acknowledged. However, to secure the political future of the state, he had to make a decisive move that would carry everyone along,” Ukodhiko stated.

    He noted that many political analysts have evaluated the national political climate and its implications for the PDP, observing that the party currently lacks a viable structure at the federal level.

    “If I ask you today who the National Secretary of the PDP is, you probably wouldn’t know. That says a lot about the party’s current state,” he added. “Why would anyone want to remain in a party that has no clear future?”

    Responding to questions about former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s alleged issues with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ukodhiko dismissed any connection between the defection and the former governor.

    “The decision by the entire Delta State PDP to move to the APC is solely about securing the future of every Deltan, myself included,” he emphasized.

    “As a representative of the Isoko Federal Constituency, we were uncertain about our political direction until this move was made.”

    He explained that the governor responded to widespread concerns among stakeholders who repeatedly questioned the political future of the state.

    “We needed to be in a place that offered stability and a better outlook for the state’s development. That’s why we chose the APC. It’s about the future, not about any individual,” Ukodhiko said.

    He also pointed out that the state has been in opposition for the past ten years, a situation that he believes is no longer sustainable.

    “We can’t continue to remain in the opposition, especially when the President has shown genuine love to Delta State. Let’s not forget that the First Lady is also from Delta. It would be unwise to stay disconnected from the center.”

    Ukodhiko stressed the importance of being part of the ruling party to gain better access to federal support and influence national policies that affect the state.

    “We can’t continue to rely solely on FAAC allocations. For effective policy implementation and development, we need the support of the federal government,” he said.

    He further highlighted projects that the state government intends to undertake in collaboration with the federal government, including improvements in port infrastructure, electricity, and other critical sectors.

    “Now that we are aligned with the federal government, we are in a better position to attract these developments and ensure meaningful progress for Delta State,” Ukodhiko stated.

  • Them belly full, but we hungry – By Owei Lakemfa

    Them belly full, but we hungry – By Owei Lakemfa

    The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is in a celebratory mood as more politicians defect, depleting the ranks of the rival Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

    In what was like a tsunami in Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa and their political appointees, defected. However, such defections are not unexpected as the ruling party, at any time, controls the resources of the country, including its security apparatus that can be deployed at will even to settle filial disputes.

    Essentially, the main political parties in the country are all-purpose electoral vehicles to seize or retain power. So the competition is quite keen. This, of course, is not in the overall interest of the people who have, since the time of military adventurers, become victims, rather than beneficiaries of governance.

    What, however, seems to be unusual this time is the concern of some non-politically partisan elites that Nigeria may be heading towards a one-party state.

    The impression is given that we run a multi-party democracy, so the defections might be negative.

    I respectfully  disagree with such analysis which I think is the product of liberal Western political thought. This presents democracy as a multiparty electoral system rather than being a people-centred participatory system of governance. It is a deceitful political system that gives the impression of a progressive political movement. In reality, it is a stagnant  political system that thrives on form and processes, rather than an empowerment of the populace to actively participate in governance and, ensure all-round development. It is a cyclic Western political tradition that produces a bullying and incoherent Donald Trump, who hands over power to a spineless and cunning Joe Biden who hands the baton back to a triumphant Trump.

    When these liberals worry about the possible emergence of a one-party state in Nigeria, I ask, what are we practising? All the main politicians are from the same tradition with a shared manifesto. Let us take the three leading political parties: APC, PDP and Labour Party, LP. They are all agreed on the removal of fuel subsidy, the same that has uncontrollably fuelled inflation since the Buhari presidency. They are all agreed on the so-called floating of the Naira, and the resultant currency devaluation. They are agreed on the privatisation or wholesale of our national wealth to the rich. They concur on the privatisation of electricity  and ever higher tariff. They are all opposed to free, accessible education for  Nigerian children.

    In all these, the threesome  hold the constitutional provision that government exists for the welfare of the people in contempt.

    Also, they have the same idea about tackling insecurity which is a reactive one. They camouflage ethnic cleansing in the North-West and North-Central as ‘herders-farmers’ clash. Hence, they are treating leprosy as rashes.

    In terms of tackling proper insecurity, they leave it to the armed forces that seems overwhelmed; to a policing system that is centralised and excludes the state, local government and communities. All three parties are afraid to allow the populace self-defense. So, the only two armed groups in the country are the Federal Government and the bandits/terrorists.

    What further evidence do we need that Nigeria is a one-party state than facts which tell us quite clearly that all the leading politicians in the country have long political affiliations and have belonged to multiple political parties. I am not referring to affiliations from the times of the Babangida regime when politicians like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar belonged to the same political factions alongside  General Shehu Yar’ Adua.

    I am being more contemporary; that is, since the 1999 return to civil rule when the leading politicians have belonged to a minimum three political parties each. For instance, Muhammadu Buhari was the presidential candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, in the 2003 and 2007 elections; that of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, in 2011 and the APC in 2015 and 2019. Today, he is courted as a godfather.

    President Tinubu started out from the Alliance for Democracy, AD, on to the Action Congress, AC/ACN, before berthing at the APC. Peter Obi started out from the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, unto the PDP, then the Labour Party. Given the move to register his followers, the Obidients in the LP, and the political crises in the party, it is uncertain if he will stay in the party.

    Atiku Abubakar started out from the PDP, which twice gave him the Vice Presidency of the country, before decamping to the AC on whose platform he contested the 2007 presidential election. He returned to the PDP in 2009 then defected in 2014 to the APC , and then back to the PDP for the third time. On that platform, he ran unsuccessfully for the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections. Who knows whether he would remain in the PDP or seek new alliances as we face the 2027 residential election.

    Nasir El-Rufai, the estranged political son of Atiku, had moved from PDP, where he was Minister, to the APC where he was two-term governor. Now, he is in the Social Democratic Party where he is seeking new political alliances.

    It is not just that the leading parties have the same ideology and similar leaders, they also lack democratic credentials. The APC was unable to hold its quarterly National Executive Council meeting for 18 months, and parades an unedifying national leadership. On its part, the PDP has for years been incapable of putting in place an elected Chairman or Secretary. The Labour Party is a borrowed or hijacked platform with three, or possibly four, national executive councils.

    So, what is the fear of a one-party state where what practically emerges after each electoral circle is one party that attracts majority politicians, especially those that have questions to answer for their financial dealings?

    The problems of the Nigerian politicians and the people differ. The politicians’ main concern is how to expand their powers or seek better protection under any party ruling the country at the centre. This is not the same aspirations of the Nigerian people. What our people seek is food on the table, shelter over their heads, clothes on their backs, available, accessible and affordable basic healthcare and education for their children. So, while the Nigerian politician is thinking of the next elections, most Nigerians are thinking of the next meal. Where would it come from and how; as a miracle or manna from heaven?

    The October 25, 1974 song by Bob Marley aptly presents the thinking of the Nigerian masses: “Them belly full, but we hungry;

    A hungry mob is a angry mob.

    …Cost of livin’ gets so high,

    Rich and poor they start to cry:

    Now the weak must get strong.”

  • Oborevwori’s defection to APC, a tsunami of unimaginable proportion – Shettima

    Oborevwori’s defection to APC, a tsunami of unimaginable proportion – Shettima

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the defection of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori Delta and thousands of his supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a political tsunami of unimaginable proportion.

    Shettima said this on Monday in Asaba when he formally received Oborevwori, former Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and their supporters into the party’s fold.

    The vice-president said, ” This is a  political tsunami of an unimaginable proportion that has never happened in the history of the South-South sub region.”

    He told the new members who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC that they were now co-owners of the governing party and not guests.

    The vice-president described the occasion as a testimony to the enduring promise of the APC.

    Shettima, who stressed the need for unity and collaboration, emphasised that the new members were joining as equals in the ruling party.

    “You are not guests in this house; you are now co-owners. This is now as much your party as it is ours,” Shettima said, describing the new APC entrants as giants in Nigerian politics.

    He highlighted the significance of their decision to join the APC, saying, “the true measure of a political party lies not merely in the enthusiasm of its members.

    ” But in the conviction it inspires among those who once stood across from them.”

    Shettima stated that they were joining the party not as defectors but as brothers and sisters who have found their rightful place among” the APC faithful.

    He maintained that they were joining the governing party not as guests but as a family and as fellow architects of a better Nigeria.

    Shettima explained the APC’s philosophy of governance and party politics, saying,  “what sets the APC apart is not an illusion of uniformity.

    “It is our acceptance that differences are inevitable and that greatness lies in managing them.

    “Our tables have always been tables of dialogue, places where every member, no matter how great or small, is welcomed to air their grievances, challenge our direction, and shape our future.”

    Shettima also reflected on the party’s journey right from inception.

    He recalled,”Since its formation in 2013, the APC has been both the dream and the drama of Nigerian democracy.

    ” So many predictions had been written about us as though we were an experiment doomed to fail,” he said.

    The vice-president credited the party’s longevity to its collaborative approach, observing that dialogue, not dictation, has been its shield against disintegration.

    He said there was no way the party could have survived this long without listening to one another.

    Shettima said, “Today is not merely a day of receiving new members. This is a declaration that the spirit of our great nation is alive.

    “It is a spirit that dreams beyond personal ambition, beyond party lines, and sees the larger arc of history.

    ” Nigeria is greater than all of us, and what we do here today is a step towards strengthening her promise.”

    Earlier, the National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, who described the defection of the Delta Governor as a political legacy, added that  it was a historic day.

    Ganduje thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing good leadership that had attracted more credible persons into the APC fold.

    “The National Working Committee of our party is happy with this decision of the Governor, and we are impressed with the cordial relationship existing between the governor and his predecessor, Dr Okowa,” he said.

    The Chairman of APC Governors’ Forum, Gov. Hope Uzodima of Imo, urged the people of Delta to continue to support their governor to deliver more dividends of democracy to the state.

    Uzodima assured that the forum would continue to support the governor to move the state to next level.

    He said APC the governors were in Delta in their large number to demonstrate the importance and values they have added with the coming of Oborevwori into the APC fold.

    Uzodima said:” Today is a special day and we are joyful and hopeful that at the end of the day the APC, a party that is based on ideology can protect our national interest, develop our country and expand the political horizon.

    ” Today when I was driving into Asaba this afternoon I saw development, I saw the performance of the governor, I saw infrastructure, the state looks like an APC state.

    ” So, I’m not surprised that the governor in his wisdom decided to joined our great party because what we were known for is what he is already doing in Delta State.”

    On his part, Okowa explained that his decision to defect from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was for the common good of the people of the State.

    ” Today obviously is a great day for us in Delta State. When the news broke out on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 that we have decided to change our path, people wonder why?

    ” In the history of people, there is always a time to change their path for the common good of the people and whatever decision we took was based on the common good of the people.

    ” As I did tell people that day, it was not about me, it was not about the governor but the fact that there was a resolute for us to connect to Abuja.

    ” That goodwill that is in Abuja, that resolved that is in Abuja of which Delta State is a larger contributor, there was a need to connect to it,” he said.

    Responding, Oborevwori insisted that what happened in Delta was a movement, not defection.

    He explained that all the stakeholders of the state were part of the decision to move to the governing APC.

    The governor, who said Delta could no longer be in the opposition, thus the change of gears, added that the state decided to reciprocate the love of Tinubu.

    “All our members in the National Assembly have agreed that when plenary resumes, they will defect on the floor of the two chambers of the Assembly.

    “All the state and ward executives of our party and representatives at all levels will move. We want to be in the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is in line with my agenda,” Oborevwori said.

    He assured that there would be no faction in the Delta APC.

  • Delta Politics: Team Siakpere for Oborevwori celebrates move to APC

    Delta Politics: Team Siakpere for Oborevwori celebrates move to APC

    In a major political realignment in Delta State, the influential support group Team Siakpere for Oborevwori, has officially announced its defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a desire to align with “progressive ideals” and contribute more robustly to the state’s future.

    Led by prominent lawyer, political strategist and international businessman, Barr. John Siakpere, the group was a key mobilization force for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori during his 2023 gubernatorial campaign under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    At a well-attended defection ceremony in Asaba, Siakpere who spoke through Dr Stephen Richards, Senior Special Assistant – Diaspora to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, said that the move to APC was driven by “a commitment to the larger interest of Deltans” and a belief that the ruling party at the federal level now represents the “best vehicle for development, stability, and prosperity” in the state.

    “We supported Oborevwori because we believed in his M.O.R.E agenda. However, political realities evolve, and so must we,” Siakpere said.

    “We can see what is happening right now and what is going on around. At the moment, what you can actually see in life that is constant, is change and when you refuse to change, change will eventually change you.

    “For the government, we can see what Governor Oborevwori is doing. He has been a seasoned politician and he has been on it for a very long time.

    “We saw what is going on right now and when you see what he is doing, he is practical, he is talking and doing whatever he says and everybody can testify to what he is doing.

    “So at this time, we are projecting into the future and see where we are going and the only way to take us to the destination is nothing but the switch which he has done and we are very happy about it.

    “We have now chosen to join hands with the APC to ensure that Delta State remains competitive and that our people enjoy the dividends of democracy.”

    Political analysts suggest that Team Siakpere’s move could shift local dynamics ahead of upcoming local government and state assembly elections, as the group commands significant grassroots support across several local governments, especially within Delta Central Senatorial District.

    As the 2027 election season begins to take shape, observers say that Team Siakpere’s realignment may be just the first of several high-profile moves that could reshape the political landscape of Delta State.