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Tag: Defection

  • Senate Leader responds to criticism of coercing lawmakers to join APC

    Senate Leader responds to criticism of coercing lawmakers to join APC

    Leader of the Senate Opeyemi Bamidele, has said that President Bola Tinubu was not coercing opposition lawmakers to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) contrary to public criticism.

    He said this during plenary on Tuesday, while justifying the defection of all the three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators from Kebbi to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Bamidele noted that the ruling party “is now running a government of national unity.”

    Bamidele spoke in the presence of the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; Governor of Kebbi, Alhaji Nasir Idris and APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sulaiman Argungu, among others, who were at the Chamber.

    Those who defected are Sen. Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) and Sen. Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South).

    Bamidele noted that their defection was based on the overriding public interest and had nothing to do with turning Nigeria into a one-party state.

    According to him, the ruling party will not close its doors to anyone intending to join the party.

    “In the same way, we will not also discriminate against anyone either on the basis of religion, tribe or any other factor. Our doors will continue to be open for more people to join at all levels.

    “In the meantime, we will continue to work with the members of the minority political parties.

    “It is not by sheer coincidence that virtually all political parties from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the Peoples Democratic Party have to join the ruling APC.

    “Even APGA, which has not joined the ruling party, has also graciously nominated and donated a minister of state to the Federal Government of Nigeria under the APC administration.

    “That is to say, what we are now running is a government of national unity,” he said.

    Bamidele specifically commended the defectors for their decision to join the ruling APC while reflecting on how the PDP was coercing members of the opposition parties to defect to its fold when it was in government at the federal level.

    He said: “We were all in this country when PDP was the ruling party. We saw all the things that happened under the PDP in an attempt to get more states, more seats in the Senate and more seats in the House of Representatives.

    “We are not at the polls. No one is being coerced.

    “If anyone is coerced, the person is definitely not Sen. Adamu Aliero. All of us know that the person cannot be Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi that will be co-opted.

    “Neither will Sen. Garba Maidoki with a stint in the private sector before he ventured into politics will defect to APC without clear conviction.

    “As far as we are concerned, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi that I know will rather stay in opposition and be very loud.

    “They all recognise that this is not the time for grandstanding. This is the time for all of us to work together to take Nigeria to the next level.

    “One of the defectors has been privileged to be the Gov. of Kebbi, precisely from 1999 to 2007”.

    “For us in APC, this is a wonderful development. For those who are keenly watching political developments, rest assured that at the end of the day, this can only be for the good and greatness of Nigeria.

    “To the rest of our colleagues on the minority isle, we will continue to work together for the progress of Nigeria.

    “I say it again for the umpteenth time. Those who refer to this parliament as a rubber stamp parliament should note that we are at a very critical stage of our national life when all hands must be on deck”.

  • Tinubu in closed door meeting with Oborevwori amid defection drama

    Tinubu in closed door meeting with Oborevwori amid defection drama

    President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a closed-door meeting with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, at the State House, Abuja.

    Accorfding to The Nation, Governor Oborevwori arrived at the State House at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

    The meeting marks his first official engagement with the President since his high-profile defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) recently.

    The Delta governor, who until recently was a key figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made headlines on April 23 when he led a dramatic political shift in the state.

    Alongside his predecessor, former PDP vice presidential candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, Oborevwori formally joined the APC after a strategic meeting held in Asaba.

    Also defecting with the governor were members of his cabinet, local government chairmen, and influential grassroots figures, making him the first sitting Delta governor to exit the PDP since the return to democracy in 1999.

    After the governor’s defection, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Emomotimi Guwor, has also crossed over to the APC along with 21 members of the House.

    Today’s meeting is seen as a signal of the APC’s growing consolidation in the South-South region, where it has been making steady gains.

    Sources within the APC suggest that additional defections are on the horizon, with Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Abba Yusuf of Kano, and the embattled Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, reportedly being courted by the ruling party.

    The wave of defections is deepening internal crises within the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP, as all three opposition parties struggle to maintain cohesion amid growing pressure from the APC’s expanding political influence.

  • PDP move to recover mandates from Oborevwori, other defectors in Delta

    PDP move to recover mandates from Oborevwori, other defectors in Delta

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has directed its National Legal Adviser to initiate legal proceedings aimed at reclaiming the party’s mandate from Delta Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for defection.

    Others whose mandates are also to be reclaimed are lawmakers, and other elected officials who recently defected along with Oborevwori to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The party’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing following the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held in Abuja.

    Damagum disclosed that the NWC had also mandated the Emmanuel Ogidi-led South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee to assume control of the party structure in Delta, pending the constitution of a state caretaker committee.

    NAN reports that Oborevwori, along with former Vice Presidential Candidate Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and several elected PDP officials in Delta, announced their defection to the APC on April 25.

    “We have instructed the zonal caretaker committee to take charge of Delta after dissolving all existing structures, as most of their members have defected,” Damagum stated.

    “A caretaker committee will be constituted shortly.

    “We’ve also directed the National Legal Adviser to initiate legal steps to recover our mandates.

    “According to the Electoral Act, any elected official who defects automatically relinquishes the office they occupy.”

    Damagum further announced that the NWC had approved zonal congresses for the South-West, North-East, and South-East regions.

    He additionally announced that a caretaker committee had been approved for the North Central zone pending upcoming elections.

    He said the NWC deliberated on a wide range of internal party matters and adopted key recommendations made by the PDP Governors’ Forum at its recent meeting in Ibadan.

    Among the resolutions adopted were the scheduling of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for May 27 and the national convention from Aug. 28 to Aug. 30, subject to NEC approval.

    Speaking on the wave of defections, Damagum urged party members not to be discouraged.

    “Yes, they [APC] may coerce or intimidate our members into defecting, but we are confident the Nigerian people will respond appropriately when the time comes.

    “It has happened before, and it will happen again,” he said.

    He dismissed claims of internal crisis within the NWC, stating, “There is no crisis.

    “If someone wants an excuse to justify their betrayal, they might claim there is a crisis. But the PDP remains intact and will continue to thrive.”

    Damagum assured that preparations for the national convention to usher in new executives were already underway and stressed the party’s resilience.

    “We may face challenges, but we’ve always resolved them internally. No amount of intimidation or mischief can bring this party down.

    “The PDP has survived many attempts in the past—this one is child’s play,” he added.

    Ogidi affirmed the zonal committee’s readiness to execute its assignment in Delta.

    “Our mandate is to take stock of the party’s current standing in Delta, reassure our members, and restore confidence.

    “We will also recommend members for the state caretaker committee to the NWC,” he said.

    Ogidi reiterated that the party leadership in Bayelsa remained under Solomon Agwanana’s State Working Committee (SWC), “while Tony Aziegbemi continues to serve as chairman in Edo.”

  • 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.

  • Osun Speaker reacts to lawmakers’ defection rumour

    Osun Speaker reacts to lawmakers’ defection rumour

    The Speaker of Osun House of Assembly, Mr Adewale Egbedun, on Friday debunked the rumour that 25 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers had defected.

    In a statement issued in Osogbo by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olamide Tiamiyu, the speaker emphasised that the PDP lawmakers were solidly behind Gov. Ademola Adeleke and the party.

    He said those peddling the lies of defection were doing so to shortchange their paymasters, stating that nothing of such happened and would never happen.

    “The 8th Osun Assembly will continue to collaborate with the governor to ensure impactful governance of the citizens and development of the state,” he said.

    He, however, called on the governor not to be distracted by the noisemakers’ alarm, urging him to remain committed to his goals of transforming the state and the people.

    “We appreciate the people of Osun State and appeal for their continuous support for the PDP-led government under the leadership of Gov. Adeleke,” the speaker said.

  • I’m vindicated by Oborevwori, Okowa, others defection – Shaibu

    I’m vindicated by Oborevwori, Okowa, others defection – Shaibu

    Former Deputy Governor of Edo, Philip Shaibu, says the defections into the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) was a vindication of his stands.

    He said that of the Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and all his appointees and immediate past governor Ifeanyi Okowa was an eye opener to many that have not seen it coming.

    Shaibu, who disclosed this on Friday in Abuja, said that he foresaw and predicted this scenario while still in the PDP few years back, but was misunderstood.

    “I remember when I was leaving the PDP some of you asked me why I was leaving, and I said, I do not see a future of PDP in Nigeria because of the way the players are handling the party.

    “The players were not democratic. The leadership was not democratic, and I shouted, and then I was asked to keep quiet.

    “This is because the players that I see in charge of the party and the way I see things happening does not show what PDP actually stands for.

    “I predicted that in less than one year, as at that time, if they don’t change, the PDP will be history in Nigeria, then I was still a member of the party. So, it’s not like I was not a PDP member.’’

    The former deputy governor and one time house of representatives member said that what was happening to the PDP was not about the party, but the players.

    According to him, when you don’t feel a sense of belonging, with certain cabal feeling they are in charge and the owners of the party, then that should  be seen as a red flag.

    “Nobody is the owner of any party. All the parties in Nigeria, nobody can claim ownership, because at a particular given time, leadership emerges and those leadership cannot be forever. It’s always temporary in all parties.

    ‘’So that’s why I predicted then. I also said then that even the governors I see, I don’t see most of them remaining in the party, because some of them, I’m close to them, and I hear, and I see, and I feel what they feel.

    “Some of the feelings I have, they also share the same feeling. I see more governors leaving. No progressive governor can remain in PDP.

    “I salute the courage of the Delta governor, and I say the wisest decision he has taken in his political career is what he did on Wednesday.

  • Defection is a new dawn in Delta – Ned Nwoko

    Defection is a new dawn in Delta – Ned Nwoko

    Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC -Delta) has described the the defection of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a new dawn in the political history of the state.

    Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil theft, gave the charge on Thursday in Abuja, in his reaction to the defection of the Delta Governor.

    He noted that it was a new dawn also for the realisation of the much desired Anioma state.

    According to him, with the Delta governor’s defection to the APC, a significant chapter in our nation’s political history is being rewritten.

    “This moment is not just about shifting allegiances, it is about the bold possibilities now within reach.

    “For the first time in decades, we have a real chance to restructure Nigeria’s federating units through constitutionally backed reforms that serve justice, equity, and true federalism.

    “It now behoves on you to rise to this historic moment. The past must not be carried into the future.

    “Old habits, old politics, and the old deals that led to the gradual decline of the PDP in Delta must be left behind.”

    He said that Oborevwori, as governor leading the charge among five PDP governors now aligning with the APC, he has stepped into a party re-energised and focused.

    According to him, this a party that has begun laying the groundwork for bold constitutional amendments, chief among which is the creation of two new viable states; Anioma and New Delta.

    “Let me remind you, this agenda was declared a done deal by the party leadership long before your defection, a testament to the APC’s commitment to correcting historical imbalances and ending regional marginalisation.

    “Your defection must not be symbolic, it must be transformative.

    ”This is your opportunity to embrace a new sense of purpose and demonstrate renewed dedication to progressive governance, fairness, and inclusive development. It is time to right the wrongs of the past.”

    The lawmaker added that the creation of Anioma State would finally give voice, identity, and institutional power to the aspirations of Delta North.

    He said that the proposed New Delta will address the communities, bring government closer to the people, and unlock new paths for economic growth.

    “For the first time, the APC is armed with the numbers to amend the constitution. This time, we can fulfill these promises without demanding painful tradeoffs from the South.

    “We are not lobbying from a place of weakness, we are standing firmly in a position of strength.

    “These changes are more than political. They are economic necessities. They are about focused governance, better infrastructure, increased federal allocation, and grassroots democracy.

    ”Two new states will mean two new engines of development,” he said.

    Nwoko noted that the realignment must mean responsibility.

    “This is the golden hour for the South, and especially for Delta. Your move to the APC must be anchored in vision. Embrace the party’s progressive agenda.

    ”Lead the charge for constitutional reform. Leave behind the politics of survival and step into the politics of legacy,” he added.

    Nwoko said that the governors alignment with the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda would ensure that a New Delta and Anioma is not left behind.

    He added that the state would also benefits from the vast opportunities available at the centre.

  • Mass defections from LP due to Abure’s leadership failure – Reps Caucus

    Mass defections from LP due to Abure’s leadership failure – Reps Caucus

    Chairman of Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives, Rep. Afam Ogene, has blamed mass defections of lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on the former Chairman, Julius Abure’s leadership failure.

    Ogene said this in an interview with NAN in Abuja on Friday.

    He said that it was Abure’s intransigence that triggered mass defections to the ruling party.

    “Politicians always plan for the next elections. So with the style of Abure, they thought there was a future for them again in the party.

    “Therefore, they have to leave in a hurry, but some of us who believe so much in the rule of law have to stay and contend with Abure for the good of the party,” he said.

    The lawmaker, however, said that the Labour Party caucus was not diminished in spite of the defections.

    Ogene, who assured of a stronger and better Labour Party, said that Abure’s tenure officially ended in June 2024.

    He accused the former chairman of being selfish in his political pursuit, saying that this was not favourable to the party.

    This, he said, led Abure into refusing to cede the chairmanship position to the North, as planned by the stakeholders.

    The caucus chairman wondered how fair it would be for the party to field a southern presidential candidate under the watch of a southern national chairman.

    He appealed to Nigerians to keep hope alive, assuring of a revived and formidable Labour Party.

    The lawmaker affirmed the viability of Labour Party as an opposition political party, saying that Peter Obi had remained the only formidable opposition voice.

    Ogene reiterated the resilience of the caucus to continue to bring the ruling party into check for a transparent and accountable democracy.

    He assured Nigerians of the party’s commitment to constitutional democracy through constructive opposition.

  • Mass Exodus: SDP chieftains defect to APC

    Mass Exodus: SDP chieftains defect to APC

    The 2023 Vice Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Yusuf Buhari, and Kano State governorship candidate, Bala Gwagwarawa, have defected to the APC.

    Also defecting are the Kano State Working Committee, 38 local government chairmen and secretaries, 13 state assembly, and 6 House of Representatives candidates.

    The SDP chieftains’ defection was formalised at an event held in Abuja on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

    Addressing the defectors, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, said their move proves that plans to challenge the APC in 2027 via SDP are doomed.

    He noted this development as a blow to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who had recently joined the SDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Barau said: “Those traversing the nation, trying to build the SDP into a viable platform to rival the APC in 2027, have failed utterly.

    “That mission is dead on arrival. Nigerians have rejected it. Even prominent figures like Sule Lamido have distanced themselves from the party.

    “Today, the Vice Presidential candidate, Kano’s governorship flag-bearer, and other SDP stalwarts have joined the APC. More are expected to follow suit in coming days.

    “If we delayed this meeting till tomorrow, nearly all SDP candidates nationwide would have joined us. We shall receive them officially in due course,” Barau added.

    He assured the new members of equal treatment, stating no one would be considered inferior regardless of when they joined the APC.

    “Everyone is equal. Joining today or being a long-time member does not diminish your importance. You are all valued equally,” Barau declared.

    He praised the defectors for acknowledging the achievements recorded under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and aligning with APC’s vision.

    APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, warmly welcomed the new entrants, promising them full rights and privileges within the party.

    Represented by Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, Ganduje described the defection as a move “from darkness to light.”

    He lauded the APC’s role as a model of transformative leadership under President Tinubu, promising continued progress and national development.

    Former Kano Governor, Sen. Kabiru Gaya, noted that the SDP was already depleted by the time El-Rufai joined, rendering it ineffective.

    “The SDP is dead. Its Vice Presidential candidate is here, the Kano candidate is here, all key stakeholders are now with APC.

    “I commend the Deputy Senate President for securing these heavyweight politicians for our party. It’s a great victory for APC,” he said.

  • Defection: Jandor came to spy, ruin Lagos PDP – Chieftain

    Defection: Jandor came to spy, ruin Lagos PDP – Chieftain

    The PDP in Lagos State says it will not miss the party’s 2023 governorship candidate,Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran better known as Jandor, who defected to the APC.

    The Lagos State PDP Vice Chairman (Central), Mr Hakeem Olalemi, made this remark in an interview with NAN while reacting to Adediran’s return to APC on Monday.

    Olalemi, who noted that the exit of Adediran from PDP was not a shock, said that the former party candidate came to spy and ruin the party in the state.

    “He (Adediran) is a human being and the Nigerian Constitution allows freedom of associations. He is free to resign from any group or party and join any group he wants.

    “We will miss his shenanigans, comedy and cunningness. So, we will not miss anything good about him in the party because he has done a huge havoc to our party in Lagos State.

    “He has come to our party to spy and he ruined the party.

    “We are assuring the public that we are going to pick up the party from where it is now and take it to its Eldorado come 2027 by the special grace of God,” Olalemi said.

    Wishing Adediran good luck in his new party, the PDP chairman described the exit of the former candidate as good radiance in Lagos PDP.

    The vice chairman, however blamed the party national leaders and some state leaders for offering Adediran PDP’s ticket on the platter of gold during the 2023 general elections.

    NAN reports that Adediran, who resigned from the PDP on March 3, citing lack of discipline in the party and betrayal by its leaders, announced his return to APC on Monday.

    It would be recalled that Adediran, a leader of Lagos4Lagos Movement and former APC governorship aspirant, also defected from APC to PDP in 2021.

    In 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the winner of the Lagos governorship election, defeating all contestants, including Adediran.

    Sanwo-Olu polled 762,134 votes to defeat his close challenger, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP), who scored 312,329 votes.

    Adediran, the PDP’s flagbearer, came a distant third with 62,449 votes.