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Tag: APC

  • Another PDP Rep, Amos Magaji, defects to APC

    Another PDP Rep, Amos Magaji, defects to APC

    Mr Amos Magaji, representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, has defected from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Speaker, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, made the announcement on the floor of the House of Representatives during plenary on Tuesday.

    Abbas, who attributed the lawmaker’s defection to the crisis in PDP, urged the APC members of the house to welcome him to their fold.

    The Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, however, counter the defection, citing Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which prescribed the consequences of defection.

    Chinda quoted the section as saying that once a lawmaker defected to another political party, such a lawmaker would lose his/her seat in the house.

    His point of order was, however, met with shouts of disapproval from many of his colleagues.

    In his reaction to the development, the speaker urged Chinda to channel his point of order to the appropriate quarters in writing.

    NAN reports that this section, as it were, may not be absolute, considering a proviso which appears to be a safe haven for defectors.

  • Osun govt, APC disagree over court ruling

    Osun govt, APC disagree over court ruling

    Osun government has stated that the Court of Appeal judgment in Akure on Monday did not reinstate the sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen and councillors.

    Mr Kolapo Alimi, Osun Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, explained in a statement that the dismissed case was the PDP’s summons challenging the validity of the Oct. 15, 2022 election.

    “The originating summons filed by the PDP was dismissed because the notice of election had not been published by Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) before the suit was filed.

    “The implication of today’s judgment is that the PDP never legally challenged the validity of that election,” he said.

    However, Alimi noted that another suit—”Suit No. FHC/OS/CS/103/22″—was filed at the Federal High Court, Osogbo, by the Action Peoples Party (APP).

    The APP’s suit challenged the validity of the same election, leading to its nullification by the court.

    “The court made the following clear and consequential orders,” he stated.

    “The Oct. 15, 2022 local government election, held pursuant to the Aug. 15, 2022 notice, is unconstitutional, invalid, null, and void due to legal violations.

    “All individuals occupying local government offices due to that election are hereby removed.

    “Sections 25 and 26 of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2022 are struck down for contradicting the Constitution and Electoral Act 2022,” he said.

    He stated that the Federal High Court ruling, delivered by Justice N. Ayo Emmanuel on Nov. 30, 2022, was appealed under Appeal No. CA/AK/226M/2024.

    The Court of Appeal upheld the Federal High Court’s judgment in its ruling on Jan. 13, 2025.

    According to Alimi, this remains the only valid and subsisting judgment on the Osun 2022 local government election.

    He urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone attempting to disrupt peace based on the Court of Appeal’s ruling.

    Alimi added that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the local government election scheduled for Feb. 22, would proceed as planned.

    Reacting to the judgment, Chief Adegoke Ogunsola, Osun APC Legal Adviser, accused OSSIEC Chairman, Hashim Abioye and the PDP-led government of misrepresenting the court’s decision.

    In a statement, Ogunsola claimed OSSIEC and the state government deliberately misinterpreted the Court of Appeal’s ruling.

    He argued that the judgment explicitly reinstated the wrongly sacked APC local government chairmen and councillors.

    “This is false. The Court of Appeal, in clear terms, nullified the Federal High Court’s decision that had wrongly removed the elected officials from office.

    “With this ruling, the APC chairmen and councillors elected in 2022 remain in office, and their tenure has not expired.

    “Given this, no local government election can be conducted by OSSIEC in February,” he said.

    Also, Tajudeen Lawal, Osun APC Chairman, through a statement by the party’s State Director of Media, Mr Kola Olabisi, praised the judgment reinstating APC officials.

    “We congratulate all reinstated council chairmen and councillors on this judicial victory.

    “We also rejoice with the good people of Osun for their resilience and support during this difficult period. This is a victory for all,” he said.

    APC local government officers, elected on Oct. 15, 2022 through a “yes or no” referendum, were removed by Gov. Ademola Adeleke upon assuming office.

  • Anambra 2025: APC national leadership vows to wrestle power from APGA

    Anambra 2025: APC national leadership vows to wrestle power from APGA

    The national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has promised to provide the necessary support to wrestle power from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the Anambra governorship election.

    The National Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, made the promise on Saturday in Awka, while addressing the party stakeholders, including governorship aspirants,  members and pro-groups.

    Ganduje also inaugurated the new Secretariat complex of the party in Awka during his visit.

    “We have to take you back to the good old days, when the South-East was in the centre of Nigerian politics.

    “We assure you that the national headquarters of our party, in collaboration with the government of the day, is ready to provide all the necessary logistics arrangements and strategies, in order to ensure that we install the government of APC in Anambra.

    “We thank you because we have seen the vigour, commitment and intention to work towards winning the November 8 governoship election,” he said.

    He said that a situation where four political parties were controlling the five states in the South-East was unacceptable.

    “Therefore, there is the need for the people of the South-East to connect to the national ruling party. I assure you that we must connect you to the centre,” Ganduje said.

    He also said that Igbo people are found in every part of the country doing business, adding that by their businesses, they are already nationalistic in nature.

    According to him, the National Secretariat of the party would work with the Presidency to bring the South-East to the mainstream of national politics.

    He pledged the resolve of the APC-led government to ensure that all segments of the country were carried along in terms of development.

    He also assured the people that positive efforts were being made by the Federal Government to stabilise the economy and ensure guaranteed security of lives and property of the citizenry.

    Ganduje assured the people that the measure would ensure that all the past wrongs done against the South-East would be adequately  addressed.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for his purposeful leadership “that paved the way for various reforms to bring tension under control through stable security, progress, unity and peace across the country”.

    He called for collaboration amongst all stakeholders and leaders in the South-East, expressing optimism that the country would definitely overcome its challenges and rise to the next level.

    “Our President is the most articulate, who believes in the progress, reforms and unity of the country.

    “With your collaboration, we will take Nigeria to the next level. We will work for you and we are seeking for your cooperation. We must connect you to the center and national grid of politics,” he said.

    Earlier, the State Chairman of the party, Mr Basil Ejidike, lauded the national leadership of the party for uniting members towards greatness.

    Ejidike said the party leadership and members were working together with plans aimed at winning the November 8 poll.

    He said, “APC in Anambra state is now the beautiful bride with many heavy weight with capability and ability trooping into the fold, which has made a huge difference.

    The five APC aspirants in the state include Mr Paul Chukwuma, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Mr Chukwuma Umeoji, Mr Johnson Onunkwo and Mr Nicholas Ukachukwu.

    They pledged their loyalty to both the state and national leaderships of the party.

    They further promised to work towards the stability of the party and to ensure it clinched the governorship seat at the Awka Government House in the November election.

    The aspirants promised to rally round any one of them that emerged candidate in the party’s primaries to enable the party win the governorship poll.

    Anambra is the stronghold of APGA, with the Peoples Democratic Party as a major force before the emergence of APC.

  • ETIM ETIM: Akwa Ibom APC: Two secretariats, many troubles

    ETIM ETIM: Akwa Ibom APC: Two secretariats, many troubles

    By Etim Etim.

     

    Akwa Ibom State Chapter of APC has two secretariats in Uyo, the state capital. They stand four kilometers apart, separated by acrimony and bad blood, but bonded by decay and abandonment. They are a clear restatement to the parlous conditions of the party in the state, long strewn in crisis, bitterness and infighting. At one end of the party are the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Obong Ekperikpe Ekpo; former presidential adviser, Senator Ita EnangChief Victor Antai, Executive Director, NDDC; Mrs Eunice Thomas, Board member, NNPC; Chief Imo Akpan, Commissioner, RMAFC; Chairman, Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, Dr. Emaeyak Ukpong, among others. At the opposite end are former minister of Petroleum, Atuekong Don Etiebet; former minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Umana; former managing Director of NDDC, Obong Nsima Ekere; former military governor of Ogun State and Rivers State, Group Captain Sam Enwang (rtd); Senator Nelson Effiong, among several others. The two camps do not see eye to eye and, as the saying goes, when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. In this case, the grass has not only overgrown the secretariats, but the party members have become despondent; dejected and disappointed.

    In 2018, APC was a large, formidable party in Akwa Ibom, poised to wrestle power from the PDP. Nsima Ekere, then Managing Director of NDDC, was getting set to contest for the governorship ticket of the party and go on to slug it out with Gov. Udom Emmanuel, who was going for his second term reelection. APC’s Secretariat was then located at 149, Ikot Ekpene Road, an old three-storey building built in the 1970s. The building was initially occupied by the PDP, until it moved to another location in 2016. Today, PDP is occupying a purpose-built secretariat. The imposing building at 149 Ikot Ekpene Road remained vacant until 2018 when APC moved in there with the financial support from Ekere. In August 2018, just as APC was moving into the property, Senator Godswill Akpabio decamped from the PDP to the party, creating a buoyant and upbeat mood among the rank and file. But there were leaders like former governor Victor Attah who warned publicly that Akapbio’s entry into the party would weaken, rather than strengthen it. Many people did not take him seriously.

    Trouble started in 2021 and since then, the party has not remained the same. In October of that year, APC conducted its congresses to elect party leaders and delegates for the various party primaries in preparation for the 2023 elections. Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe, the interim National Secretary of the Party, was leading the charge. Akpabio was Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, but there was no love lost between the two men. They have been political enemies since 2009 when Udedehe defected from PDP to ACN.

    With the congresses concluded, Austine Ekanem, an Udoedehe acolyte who was the State Secretary, was elected State Chairman with 1,278 votes, to beat Stephen Ntokekpo, the youth leader, who scored only six votes. Dr. Ita Udosen, who was the Ag. Chairman (the chairman, Ini Okopido, had died the previous year), was elected South-South Zonal Secretary at the National Convention. All the ward executives and State Officers of the Party were carefully selected and put in place by Udoedehe who was also preparing to run for the 2023 governorship election. Austin Ekanem was duly sworn into office by the Party’s Acting National Chairman, Abubarkar Bello, (then the governor of Niger State) on March 7, 2022. Bello stood in for the then National Chairman, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, who was on medical vacation.

    The party’s structures were all in Udoedehe’s hand. Akpabio, completely sidelined, was livid with rage, but he did not show it. The new State Chairman returned to Uyo and inaugurated his EXCO and Ward Executives. There were celebrations everywhere in the state; but the merriments were short-lived, for exactly 10 days after Austin Ekanem was sworn-in as chairman, the Akpabio camp obtained a judgment from a Federal High Court in Abuja, affirming that Ntokekpo, who had scored only six votes, was the authentic state chairman. Ntokekpo had filed the case in November 2021, soon after the congresses, but Ekanem was not joined as defendant. Rather it was the APC that was the defendant, a clever tactic that ensured that the case was undefended. The court judgment was based on a fake result sheet in which Ntokekpo’s score was changed from 006 to 1006; while Ekanem’s score changed from 1,278 to 278. It was a mathematical abracadabra in which ‘’1’’ from Ekanem’s 1,278 votes was moved to Ntokekpo’s 006 votes to make it 1006. All other results were unchanged in the court filing. It was a pyrrhic for the party has not recovered from it since then.

    With this, Ntokekpo, an Akpabio ally, was sworn in as the State Chairman, replacing Ekanem, who had been was sworn in two week earlier. A protracted legal battle ensued between Ekanem and Ntokekpo with Akpabio and Udoedehe as the big behind-the-scene-masquerades. But there were other problems. The chairman of the APC Akwa Ibom State State Congress Committee, Alhaji Banki Yusuf wrote a petition to the police headquarters in Abuja, stating that Steven Ntokekpo had allegedly forged the result of the state congress. The police arrested Ntokekpo and investigated the allegation. Forgery was confirmed. The police then forwarded the result of their investigation to the DPP Office in Abuja and after the review of the police report and investigation; the DPP recommended that Steven Ntokekpo and others be charged to court. Till today, no case has been filed against Ntokekpo. There was a big masquerade behind him.

    Akpabio had now assumed full control of the party structures in the state, but Ekanem was still fighting hard to reclaim his mandate. The forgery allegation was still swirling around; the congress matter was dragging in court in Abuja and the 2023 elections were approaching fast. APC was waltzing from one crisis to another, and events began to unfold at dizzying speed in quick succession. Senator Udoedehe decamped from the party to NNPP and picked up its governorship ticket; Akpabio resigned from Buhari’s cabinet to run for President and rented another storey building at No. 6 Ekpo Obot Street, Uyo, as the party’s State Secretariat, abandoning the imposing building at 149, Ikot Ekpene Road, painted in APC colours. The acquisition of a new secretariat was the first formal indication of a gulf and disharmony in the party; and the discord has been growing.

    Within that period, Chief Akan Udofia, a swashbuckling oil industry contractor, emerged as the party’s governorship candidate through another dubious circumstance. Udofia had contested in the PDP governorship primary held a day before APC’s primary, and scored only one vote. But how he emerged victorious in APC’s primary conducted around midnight the following day is the stuff that ‘’Akpabiosm School of Politics’’ is made of.

    Enter Senator Ita Enang, another APC governorship aspirant. A lawyer of over 40 years at the bar, Enang headed to the courts and obtained judgment at Federal High Court, Abuja, against Udofia and APC. The court decided that since the midnight primary was not certified by INEC, the party was null and void, and the party had no governorship candidate for the 2023 election! By now, Akpabio had withdrawn from the presidential primary at Eagles Square in Abuja on March 6, 2022; bought a nomination form for Senate and by another abracadabra, another Senatorial primary was conducted for him in which he won the nomination. In the first senatorial primary, a retired deputy inspector general of police, Mr. Ekpo Ekpoudom, was nominated as candidate. How Akpabio wrestled the ticket from Ekpoudom at the Supreme Court is yet another mystery of Nigerian democracy.

    It’s been two years since the 2023 elections and with all the political dramas; dubious court judgments and mago-mago party primaries; APC emerged exhausted and withered. There has not been any party a major activity since the election. Austin Ekanem, the ousted Chairman, says the Secretariat at 149 Ikot Ekpene Road has been abandoned since 2022 and activity has ceased in the party since the end of 2023 elections. He recalls that around October 2024, Senator Ita Enang had approached him, and apparently acting at the behest of the Senate President, invited him for some reconciliation meetings, but he rebuffed Enang, telling him that he would not be part of any reconciliation process that does not include other disaffected leaders like Umana Umana; Don Etiebet; Nsima Ekere; Sam Enwang; Bassey Dan-Abia; Senator Nelson Effiong and other leaders’’. The process has stalled.

    But Dr. Ita Udosen, the South-South Zonal Secretary of the Party, says although he’s a senior officer of the party, he has never been invited for any party event. His words: ‘’As you know, I was the Acting Chairman of the Party for about two years, and I operated from 149, Ikot Ekpene Road. Stephen Ntokekpo was the youth leader then. In 2022, I was elected as the Zonal Secretary of the party; and my office is in Port Harcourt. I can tell you that I have never been invited to any party event at the Ekpo Obot Secretariat and I do not know what the conditions there are like’’.

    Stephen Ntokekpo himself was quite effusive when I spoke to him. He said that there are plans to reconcile everybody and bring all sidelined persons back into one fold, noting that the Ekpo Obot secretariat is not only functioning, but is well maintained. I did not see that. He paid tributes to the Senate President and the minister for their contributions to the party. ‘’You know, the property we are occupying is owned by an APC stalwart (Chief Sunny Ibanga). I am aware that both the Senate President and the minister have been taking care of our landlord who has not been well. If I have any issue with the landlord, I will sort it ought with him. But I can tell you that the rent for the property is not due till March and the property is well kept’’.

    Ntokekpo then veered off and praised Gov. Umo Eno for ‘’for bringing peace and harmony to the State’’. He said: ‘’Gov. Umo Eno has reached out to APC members in ways that show that he is the governor for all Akwa Ibom people, irrespective of party affiliations. The governor has identified with the Senate President, who is our grand leader, in a very respectful manner. To that extent, we in APC have decided that we should give the governor his due respect and allow the government a chance to govern. Elections have come and gone. It’s time for governance’’.

    Akwa Ibom APC has been thoroughly weakened by its many troubles. It’s difficult to see how it would go through the 2027 elections.

  • Ned Nwoko’s people pass vote of confidence on Oborevwori as Ethiope Fed PDP sends strong signal to Delta APC

    Ned Nwoko’s people pass vote of confidence on Oborevwori as Ethiope Fed PDP sends strong signal to Delta APC

    The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Ward 8 comprising Idumuje Unor, Idumuje Ugboko and Aniofu, has passed a vote of implicit confidence in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State for “his  humane leadership style, promotion of  peaceful co-existence and sustainable development across the State.”

    This was part of resolutions reached at a meeting of the Ward leaders and other stakeholders held Friday at Idumuje Unor in Aniocha North Local Government Area.

    Addressing the people, the leader of Ward 8 and former Chairman, of PDP Aniocha North, Ogbuefi Nnamdi Mohanye, expressed joy for the enduring unity among the party members and said the Ward would remain the epicentre of PDP in the Local Government Area and beyond.

    Also speaking, the State  Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House), Dr.Ifeanyi Osuoza, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has the best interests of Ward 8 and other parts of the State at heart. He urged the people to stand resolute for PDP and assured them that they would gain the dividends of democracy through necessary empowerment and social development initiatives.

    In a motion for a vote of confidence in the Governor, moved by Sir Jossy Honnah , Executive Assistant on special duties to the Governor and seconded by Comrade Norbert Chiazor, Executive Assistant on Media to the Governor,the stakeholders upheld that Oborevwori deserved their collective support every step of the way ahead of 2027.

    The gathering affirmed that Governor Oborevwori had “effectively governed the State barely two years since assumption of office, through the provision of social infrastructure and human capital development”.

    On PDP to APC defection of Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, who hails from Idumuje Ward 8, the members said the Ward, which is one of the largest by voting strength in Aniocha North, remained the traditional home of PDP beginning from the 1990s and expressed optimism that it would keep standing as a stronghold of PDP.

    The stakeholders drawn from Idumuje Unor, Idumuje Ugboko and Aniofu, numbering over one thousand, reiterated their loyalty and support to the PDP-led government of Oborevwori.

    The meeting also expressed gratitude to the Oborevwori administration for finding some Idumuje indigenes worthy of elective offices and appointments.

    While commending Governor Oborevwori for his development efforts so far, the Ward leaders appealed to the State Governor to expedite action towards approval and construction of a strategic access way at Idumuje Unor, Oseji Road named after a former Supreme Court Justice from the community who passed away in 2021.

    Also in attendance at the meeting were the Vice Chairman Aniocha North Local Government, Lady Nneka Dibia, SSA Orientation, Mr. Owen Junior Dibia, other appointees, councillors as well as all the executives of PDP Ward 8 led by the Chairman, Comrade Clement Chiazor among others.

    Ethiope Fed PDP sends strong signal to APC Delta, pass vote of confidence on Oborevwori

    The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ethiope Federal Constituency, on Friday, sent strong signals to the major opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress, APC Delta, ahead of 2027 general elections.

    Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor who was the special guest of honour at the official inauguration of the Executive Members of Ethiope Federal Constituency PDP Forum, fired the first salvo by saying that the recent defection by the member representing the constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, will have no negative consequence on the political supremacy of PDP, and that the vacant seat shall be reclaimed sonner than later.

    He noted that the presence of all the shakers and movers of Ethiope East and West LGAs politics at the EXCO inauguration clearly indicated that the major opposition party in the state, APC, shall be relegated to the dustbin of political history in Ethiope Federal Constituency, come 2027.

    Rt Hon Guwor, stressed the need for all Deltans to support the state governor, Dr (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, adding that his enviable achievement in mega infrastructure and socioeconomic development across the state cannot be overemphasized.

    He assured that governor Oborevwori has not borrowed money from anywhere in the world,  will not borrow from any commercial bank or financial institution to fund any project in 2025, saying that the governor is super technocrat and prudent manager of State resources.

    Mr Speaker congratulated the Chairman of Ethiope Federal Constituency PDP Forum and Chief Adviser to the State Governor, Senator Dr Ighoyota Amori, and his team, urging them to firm up strategies that would completely delete the APC from the political landscape of Ethiope Federal Constituency, and by extension, Delta State.

    In the same vein, State Party Chairman, High Chief Solomon Arenyeka, assured the mammoth crowd that those who recently defeated from PDP in the constituency shall crawl back beginning for the party’s membership card after the 2027 general elections, adding that their defection goes to no issue, as the defectors have no political structures to withstand PDP in a free, fair and transparent elections in the state

    Chief Arenyeka commended governor Oborevwori for his visionary leadership, hard work, dedication to duty, patriotism, political maturity and prudent management of state resources, urging Deltans to continue to support their “Street Credibility Governor” till May 29, 2031.

    The PDP State chairman, expressed confidence in the leadership skills and competence of Senator Dr Ighoyota Amori, saying that with him as Chairman of Ethiope Federal Constituency PDP Forum, the party would continue to sustain her supremacy in the Constituency and beyond.

    He urged the newly inaugurated EXCO to hit the ground running, leaving no stone unturned as we navigate into another electioneering era, saying that “PDP is Delta, and Delta is PDP.”

    Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo, said Ethiope Federal Constituency remain PDP stronghold, as can be seen from the caliber of political leaders and tacticians present at the Exco Inauguration on Friday, pointing out that those who defected to the opposition party in the state unknowingly fractured their political career shamefully and dishonorably.

    He assured that come 2027 general elections, the state governor, Dr Sheriff Oborevwori shall be reelected in a landslide victory due to his enviable performance in all sectors of the state economy, while urging the good people of Ethiope Federal Constituency to roll-up their sleeves to reclaim PDP seat at the House of Representatives.

    DS Akpowowo averred that PDP seat was vacated dishonorably by Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu as a result of her unlawful defection as contained in Section 68 (1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, pointing out that the reasons she gave for defecting to the opposition party was and still unfounded, unacceptable and untenable.

    Leader of PDP in Ughelli South, and construction giant, Chief John Oguma, said APC only exist on social media platforms in Ethiope Federal Constituency, and by extension, Delta State, noting that those who defected to the opposition party have no electoral value to challenge PDP in 2027.

    Chief Oguma, further assured that the three Senatorial seats lost to the opposition party through dubious means shall be reclaimed in 2027, noting that the laudable achievements of government Oborevwori would give the party overwhelming victory at the polls.

    In his post inauguration address, the Chairman of Ethiope Federal Constituency PDP Forum, Senator Dr Ighoyota Amori, assured that the federal constituency is poised to crunch APC Delta in the forthcoming elections, noting that the defected former member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu will not return in 2027 under any political party.

    Chief Amori who is also the Chief Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, urged party leaders across board not to relent in their efforts to consistently position the party for more wins at the polls, adding that the enviable performance of governor Oborevwori will resonate with the electorates at the polls in 2027.

    He further stated that the Forum is saddled with enormous responsibilities, and that the Exco will hit the ground running, and would mount a mega rally at Oghara Township Stadium in Ethiope West LGA to showcase the political supremacy of PDP in the federal constituency.

    State Director of Protocol, Chief Sunday Onoriode, gave a brief history of how the idea of Ethiope Federal Constituency PDP Forum was conceived by Chief Ighoyota Amori in January, and went further to say that come 2027, Deltans will vote overwhelmingly for flyer over bridges, durable roads and other mega solid infrastructure built by governor Oborevwori.

    He noted that the opposition party in Delta State will continue to struggle for unmerited relevance on social media platforms without grassroots structures to match the PDP’s political sagacity and undisputed supremacy in the constituency, throughout the three senatorial districts.

    Leader of PDP in Ethiope East LGA, Chief Bernard Edewor urged party faithfuls to remain united, saying that those who defected to opposition party derailed politically, and that PDP will reclaim all vacant seats at the National Assembly, while commending the state governor, Dr Sheriff Oborevwori for leading the party in the right direction through his good governance strides, and for building result oriented political bridges across board.

    Edewor, congratulated Ethiope Federal Constituency Exco members under the Chairmanship of the Chief Adviser to the Governor, Senator Dr Ighoyota Amori, urging the team to ensure that the party remain perpetually on top, and to work towards extinguishing the opposition political parties in the forthcoming general elections.

    The Ethiope Federal Constituency Forum EXCO was inaugurated by the State Chairman of PDP, High Chief Solomon Arenyeka through the Delta Central PDP Chairman, Chief Anthony Akpomiemie, Esq,.

    The ceremony was well attended by prominent politicians, party faithfuls from the 22 Wards. It is crystal clear that PDP is in full control of Ethiope Federal Constituency.

    Highlight of the inauguration ceremony was a vote of confidence on the state governor, Dr (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori by Ethiope Federal Constituency PDP Forum.

    The Motion was moved by a former member of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Ben Igbakpa, and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo, while the Honourable Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor hit the gavel to legitimize the process.

  • Undistinguishing and dishonouring distinguished Senators and honourable members – By Philius Okoh

    Undistinguishing and dishonouring distinguished Senators and honourable members – By Philius Okoh

    By Philius Okoh

    The political landscape in Nigeria has entered a season of anomalies, where political actors, akin to hunters, are evaluating their strategies—deciding whether to harvest, adjust, or relocate their efforts for more favorable outcomes. This pattern has been evident since the inception of political contestation in Nigeria. Today, I aim to shed light on these trends, their impact on our political trajectory, and the imperative for us, the citizens, to remain vigilant—to “shine our eyes,” as the younger generation would say.

    Reflecting on history, the collapse of Nigeria’s First Republic can be attributed significantly to the cross-carpeting of elected officials in parliament. This reckless political maneuvering exacerbated existing tensions, leading to a chain of events that culminated in the intervention of young military officers—an upheaval from which Nigeria has yet to fully recover.

    Regrettably, instead of learning from these historical missteps, we have witnessed a deterioration in political stability and a decline in the integrity of elected officials across all levels. A notable instance is the defection of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCFR, who, as a sitting Vice President, switched political allegiance without first resigning from office—a move that affronted democratic principles. This trend permeates the Senate, the House of Representatives, State Assemblies, and Local Governments; even governors and their deputies are not exempt from this disgraceful practice.

    At its core, cross-carpeting epitomizes corruption in one of its most egregious forms—it is political robbery, plain and simple. The Supreme Court has ruled that votes cast in elections belong to political parties, not individuals. The court has further clarified what constitutes a political crisis or factionalization within a party. Any elected official confident in their political appeal should be able to attract the same votes in their new party. Yet, they know our democracy is party-based, and they recognize their inability to win elections independently. Hence, they attempt to convert the votes of one party for the benefit of another.

    This mindset is no different from that of a banker who embezzles depositors’ funds, an armed robber, or a kidnapper demanding ransom. The allure of the commonwealth keeps these politicians from choosing the path of honor and integrity.

    To be addressed as “Your Excellency,” “Distinguished Senator,” or “Honourable Member” implies a measure of integrity, or at least an understanding of what it means. Yet, any elected official who entertains the idea of cross-carpeting lacks even a shred of integrity. They remain in office solely to loot the commonwealth.

    While voters may be pure at heart, simplistic, and trusting, it is time for us to “shine our eyes”—to be vigilant and discerning. To illustrate this, I will use the Delta North Senatorial Seat as a case study, given my familiarity with the district.

    All our Senators who have been acknowledged for their performance maintained their political loyalty. Senator Osakwe, for instance, had to run under an unknown party due to unjustified internal politics within the PDP. However, the people rallied behind him, and he eventually returned to the PDP after his victory. This demonstrated the electorate’s ability to make a collective decision in the face of party manipulation.

    Fast forward to Senator Nwaoboshi. Against all odds, he secured the party’s ticket at a time when his financial resources were not at their peak. During his campaign, he tragically lost his brother. Out of respect, party members took it upon themselves to campaign on his behalf, funding and driving his election victory without expecting anything in return. However, he soon became obsessed with the idea that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had an interest in “his Senate seat,” prompting him to defect to the APC with the very votes the PDP secured for him. He eventually lost the election. The paranoia that drove his defection was unfounded—Senator Okowa had no interest in his seat.

    Now, enter Ned Nwoko. With no pre-existing political structure in the PDP, he managed to secure the party’s ticket. Once again, party members rallied behind him, ensuring his victory. Yet, on his very first day as Senator, his cronies declared him “the best Senator ever.” Soon after, he too succumbed to the same delusion—that Senator Okowa wanted “his seat.”

    What followed was a brazen attempt to hijack the entire party structure in Delta North. He approached the national leadership of the PDP to purchase nomination forms for all ward executive positions in every local government within the district. The irony? He had no political base before becoming the party’s candidate. His real motive? To entrench himself in power and, when the time is right, defect—stealing PDP votes for the APC, just as his spokesperson has hinted. This exposes the insincerity behind his every move.

    The examples above illustrate how politicians degrade the offices they occupy. Whether as Senators, Governors, or even Presidents, these actions stem from one thing: greed and self-centeredness.

    Now is the time for us, the people, to be vigilant. By their actions, we shall know them. Those who shouted “APC” yesterday and now chant “PDP” today—know them for who they are. Those who screamed “PDP” yesterday but now align with “APC”—understand their game. They are the first we must resist if Nigeria is ever to achieve meaningful democratic progress.

    Philius Okoh, writes from Asaba

  • Defection: APC chair Ganduje receives Ned Nwoko, vows to take over Delta

    Defection: APC chair Ganduje receives Ned Nwoko, vows to take over Delta

    The National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, on Wednesday, received Sen. Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, into the APC fold.

    Nwoko formerly of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently decamped to the APC citing deep divisions and factionalisation within the party at the state and national level as reasons for decamping.

    He had said that the development had made it increasingly difficult to foster unity and advance the collective interests of the people of Delta.

    However receiving the lawmaker at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, Ganduje said that the party would work with Nwoko and other stakeholders to take over Delta in 2027.

    According to him, we are happy to receive you, and you are most welcome to our great and nationalistic party. We want a highly organised APC in Delta and we promise to work with you.

    “We believe in national unity, integrity and providing for Nigerians, and we have internal democracy.”

    The APC national chairman, added that the country under President Bola Tinubu was working because his economy policies were beginning to yield positive results.

    He assured the lawmaker of the cooperation of the APC’s leadership, saying a mega rally would be held in Delta to receive him and others formally at a later date.

    “We know funding, organisation and commitment is not a problem, what we are looking forward to, is a highly organised party structure in Delta.

    “A structure which compose of men and women, specially young men, who will go from house to house to show that APC dominates almost everywhere,” Ganduje said.

    Earlier, Nwoko said that his mission was to join forces with other APC Delta stakeholders to ensure that the party took over the state in 2027.

    The senator explained that he left the PDP for APC because he was not given the opportunity to serve the people of his constituent.

    “I was elected to make a difference in Delta, but wasn’t given that opportunity. I believe in serving the people, but I was not getting that opportunity in PDP Delta.

    “I know what our party do to win elections in Delta, and I will join hands with others to do it to ensure that APC takes over the state in the next election.

    “I am on a mission to ensure that APC takes over Delta in the next election, we have all that it will take to take over the state. We know what to do because we understand the politics of the state, all I ask, is your support,” he said.

    On the crisis in Delta APC, he noted that he was a peace maker and would ensure peace return to the party in the state.

    NAN reports that Nwoko was led to the APC national secretariat by Mr Festus Kayemo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and other party stakeholders.

  • Popular Delta lawmaker writes senate on defection to APC

    Popular Delta lawmaker writes senate on defection to APC

    A lawmaker, Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District on Wednesday at plenary officially notified the senate of his defection from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Party (APC).

    Nwoko’s notification is contained in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and read at plenary on Wednesday.

    Nwoko in the letter titled: ”Notice of Departure from the PDP to the APC” said he wrote to formally inform Akpabio and his other colleagues of his decision to resign his membership from PDP and consequently join APC.

    “This decision was not made lightly, but rather, after deep reflection and extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates and stakeholders across Delta North Senatorial District.

    “The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction.

    “These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy.

    “Mr. President, democracy thrives on a strong and credible opposition that keeps the government in check, promotes accountability and ensures that the voice of all Nigerians is heard.

    “The continued deterioration of the PDP raises serious concerns about the future of our multi-party democracy.

    “If urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.

    “In view of this, I urge the senate to take this matter seriously by setting up an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard our democracy,” he said.

    The senator stated that the committee should examine the root causes of PDP’s internal implosion, engage relevant stakeholders and propose reforms that would ensure the survival of a viable opposition in Nigeria.

    Nwoko said that he remained committed to serving the people of Delta North and contribute to the progress of the nation.

    However, the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro (PDP-Benue), raised a point of order, saying that there was no division in the PDP National Working Committee.

    Moro said that PDP recognised the ruling of the Court of Appeal and abided by it, stating that the party recognised Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as its National Secretary, in compliance with a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

    He argued that in the event of a defection of a lawmaker to another party, the lawmaker was deemed to have relinquished his/her seat in the parliament, having won election to the seat via his/her first party, maintaining that there was no division in PDP.

    Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), however, said there were visible factions in the PDP.

    “There is the Wike faction; there is the Bala Mohammed faction,” Jibrin said.

    Leader of the Senate, Sen Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti), while raising a constitutional point of order, said Section 7 of 1999 Constitution (as amended) recognised the right of anyone to defect to any political party of his/her choice.

    According to him, establishing whether there is a division or not should not be a matter to be discussed on the floor of the senate but before a court of competent jurisdiction.

    Bamidele, however, noted that the reality was that there was a division in PDP, with Wike leading a faction, insisting that it was the constitutional right of anyone to cross carpet.

  • Ex-Labour Party guber candidate joins APC in Bayelsa

    Ex-Labour Party guber candidate joins APC in Bayelsa

    The Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Bayelsa in the 2023 election, Mr. Udengs Eradiri, on Tuesday in Yenagoa formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Eradiri said President Bola Tinubu is behind all the projects in his Agudama/Ekpetiama community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

    Eradiri, who registered for the APC in Ward 10 Constituency 2, Yenagoa LGA, said President Tinubu through the Dr Samuel Ogbuku-led Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) gave his community potable water, shore protection, solar lights and one kilometre road.

    He said besides his community, almost all the communities in the Niger Delta have benefited from the operation light-up Niger Delta project and other interventionist programmes of the NDDC.

    Eradiri said the Tinubu’s government through the NDDC have also promised to carry out other projects such as remodeling of the secondary school and a quality lodge for members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) in his community.

    Eradiri, who was received by a crowd of residents and APC members in his ward said through the Tantita Security Services and the NDDC backed by Tinubu, the Niger Delta region had experienced peace and steady progress in its infrastructural development.

    For instance, he said recently the President signed the Maritime University, Okerenkoko,  Bill into law and the bill establishing the University of Technology and Environment in Ogoni, saying they would help to deepen the already existing peace in the region.

    He said gradually and steadily, President Tinubu was addressing the injustices and marginalization suffered by the region over the years.

    Besides, Eradiri said the Tinubu’s government had given Bayelsa the Head of Service, Minister of Petroleum and the Managing Director of the NDDC.

    He further observed that through the Ministry of Petroleum led by Minister Heineken Lokpobiri, there had been consistent increase in oil production.

    The former Commissioner for Youths and later Environment in Bayelsa further observed the tremendous progress in the ongoing construction of the East-West Road.

    He said the road had witnessed better attention in the Tinubu’s government through the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, than in other past administrations.

    Eradiri said with all the contributions of the President in his community and the Niger Delta through Tantita, the NDDC and the Ministry of Petroleum, it was only reasonable for him to join Tinubu and work with him in the APC to ensure the success of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He explained that President Tinubu meant well for the Niger Delta and the country and called on his teeming supporters and all stakeholders in the region to work with the President.

    Eradiri commended all APC faithful in Bayelsa for warmly receiving him in the party and vowed to work with all the party stakeholders to reposition the APC in the state and the country.

    He said: “In my community we have a water project done by the APC government: shore protection being done by the APC government, solar light and one kilometre road.

    “The APC government has also promised to carry out other projects like corpers’ lodge and renovation of our secondary school.

    “The best thing to do to thank such leadership is to join them and work for the success of the party. For me President Tinubu is one man I have admired since I was young and this will provide me the opportunity to learn from him and work with him to ensure that he succeeds.

    “In 2006 when we attended the PRONACO meetings in Lagos he was one man who believed in a restructured Nigeria. I supported the PRONACO Movement and partook in it.

    “I think that this is the best time to work with him. The Tinubu government gave us Head of Service, Minister of Petroleum and the NDDC. His government has ensured the light up of the Niger Delta which has reduced crime to its barest minimum.

    ”Tinubu government is behind the Tantita project that has seen many young people in the Niger engaged because of the pipeline surveillance that has ensured the growth in the production of oil and reduction of crime in the Niger Delta. There is no other way to say thank you than to join the government that is doing well.

    “The government is talking about tax reforms that will go a long way to bring about seriousness in governance and curb laziness. It will bring innovation and creativity as states and local government will begin to work harder and such will provide jobs for young people and engender growth and development.

    “I see that the government has a lot to offer Nigeria and I won’t be an onlooker. I want to participate and contribute to it. I want to be part of those that participated in the revival and reorganisation of the country”.

  • Edo governorship poll: PDP, Ighodalo close case at tribunal

    Edo governorship poll: PDP, Ighodalo close case at tribunal

    The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), and its governorship candidate in Edo, Asue Ighodalo, on Monday, closed their case at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.

    PDP and Ighodalo dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Gov. Monday Okpebholo to the tribunal challenging the outcome of the governorship election.

    When the matter was called, the lead counsel for the petitioners, Mr Robert Emukpoeruo, SAN, told the tribunal that his clients had concluded their case having called 19 witnesses.

    For its part, INEC tendered five additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, machines that were used during the election.

    The electronic devices were tendered by Mr Anthony Itodo, a Senior Technical Officer in the ICT Department of the commission.

    They were admitted in evidence  even though all the respondents in the matter objected saying they would give their reasons in their final written addresses.

    Recall that the the tribunal had earlier admitted in evidence, a total of 148 BVAS that were used in 133 polling units where results of the election are being disputed by the petitioners.

    The Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member tribunal subsequently adjourned the matter until Feb. 5 for INEC to open its defence.

    Similarly, the ADP also closed its case following the testimony of its Chairman in Edo, Mr Francis Obamwonyi.

    Obamwonyi told the tribunal that he would be surprised if anyone told him that the party’s candidate in the election also doubled as the state collation agents since that was his responsibility.

    The witness also told the tribunal that his party scored a total of 1,119 votes in the election that INEC declared the APC and it’s candidate as winners.

    When asked to substantiate the allegations he made in his witness statement of non compliance with the electoral act, over voting, harassment and intimidation, he said he wrote it based on the reports of his party’s agents at various polling units.

    The tribunal then fixed Feb . 6 for INEC to open its defence in this matter.

    In an interview with NAN, the Chairman of APC in Edo, Mr Jarrett Tenebe said that the PDP closed its case abruptly because they had no case abinitio and that it was an indication that they had abandoned the case.

    “They were called to testify but couldn’t produce more witnesses so closing their case at this point amounts to abandonment of the case.

    “If you are challenging about seven hundred and something polling units and you call only 19 witnesses does that not amount to abandonment?

    “I think they do not have a case that is why they hurriedly closed their case today which is a good thing for the APC,” Tenebe said.

    Tenebe expressed confidence that when the APC opened its case, the whole country and the people of  Edo in particular would know that the APC won the election.

    INEC had declared Okpebholo of the APC as winner of the Sept. 21, 2024 election having scored a total of 291, 667 votes to defeat his closet rivalry, Ighodalo of the PDP, who scored a total of 247, 655 votes.

    Not satisfied with INEC’s declaration, the PDP and its candidate approached the tribunal, asking it to nullify INEC’s declaration of the APC and it’s candidate as winners of the election.

    In the petition marked: EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024 the petitioners alleged that Okpebholo did not secure the highest number of lawful votes and that  the  election was invalid on grounds of  non-compliance with the Electoral Act.