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Tag: Delta State

  • Oborevwori, Okowa’s “seismic” defection not Tinubu’s fault – Presidency

    Oborevwori, Okowa’s “seismic” defection not Tinubu’s fault – Presidency

    The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are not to be blamed for weak and poor political opposition in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy presented the argument in a statement on Sunday ahead of the official reception of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori into the APC on Monday.

    In the statement, Onanuga argued that the “seismic shift” caused by Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno’s open declaration of support for President Bola Tinubu, the defection of the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the former vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last election, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and the principal political actors in Delta and Rivers States threw the opposition and their sympathisers into disarray.

    He stressed that “contrary to the false claims in the propaganda materials in circulation across mainstream and social media”, democracy is not under any threat in Nigeria and that “accusations that the administration is moving towards authoritarianism are baseless and exaggerated”.

    The statement reads: “We have read the alarming claims of disgruntled opposition figures,  some partisan human rights crusaders and emergency defenders of democracy over recent defections of key members of opposition parties into the governing All Progressives Congress.

    “The seismic shift caused by Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno’s open declaration of support for President Bola Tinubu, the defection of the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the former vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last election, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and the principal political actors in Delta and Rivers States certainly threw the opposition and their sympathisers into disarray.

    “While the opposition elements are understandably heartbroken over the failure of their fabled grand coalition to gain traction, we find it disturbing that they resorted to peddling false allegations of promoting a one-party State against President Bola Tinubu, who is working very hard to reverse decades of economic mismanagement in our country.

    “Contrary to the false claims in the propaganda materials in circulation across mainstream and social media, democracy is not under any threat in Nigeria. Accusations that the administration is moving towards authoritarianism are baseless and exaggerated.

    “We must add that no policy, official action, or directive from the Presidency seeks to “dismantle democracy” or “weaken opposition or create a one-party state.” Accusations of bribery, blackmail, and the weaponisation of state institutions only exist in the idle minds of politicians and their agents who have failed in their assigned role of opposition and are fishing for scapegoats.

    “The opposition cannot blame President Tinubu and the governing APC for their poor organisation, indiscipline, and gross incompetence in managing their affairs. It is certainly not part of President Tinubu’s job to organise or strengthen opposition parties.

    “We find it curious that those who celebrated the defection of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the formation of a regional grand coalition with the sole aim of defeating President Tinubu in the 2027 election are the same people shedding crocodile tears over Nigeria’s so-called drift to a one-party state and authoritarianism.

    “While the latter-day defenders of democracy raised no anxious voice against the disgruntled politicians cobbling an anti-Tinubu, anti-APC coalition along dangerous regional lines, even before INEC blows the whistle for party politicking, they are quick to ascribe the political shifts in some states to “bribery, blackmail, and coercion” without any shred of evidence.

    “Without any equivocation, freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom of choice are part of the cherished ideals of democracy.  When politicians and citizens cannot freely join any association or political party of their choice or cannot openly express their views, democracy is imperilled.  Those opposed to the Tinubu administration should understand that they can issue diatribes, without fear, against the government because we practice a thriving democracy.

    “It is hypocrisy writ large when opposition politicians and their collaborators in the ‘human rights’ movement desire that the party of the President should implode so they can gain electoral advantage and cry wolf when their wish does not materialise.

    “We want to state that democracy is not threatened or undermined simply because politicians exercise their rights to freedom of association. Nigerians migrating to the APC and expressing support for Tinubu are doing so out of their free will, based on the belief that the reforms being executed are in the interest of Nigerians and the unborn generation.

    “It is a gross disservice to democracy in itself for these emergency defenders of democracy to delegitimise the political choices of some Nigerians while upholding the choices of others to form a coalition against Tinubu and APC.

    “Under President Tinubu, democracy is strong, and the multiparty democratic system will continue to flourish unhindered. His administration remains resolutely committed to upholding and strengthening the democratic foundations upon which our Fourth Republic has stood since 1999

    “Politicians changing party affiliation is not new or peculiar to Nigeria. In more advanced democracies, there are ready examples of notable politicians, statesmen and women who changed their parties.

    “President Tinubu and the National Working Committee of the APC, under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, deserve commendation for making the ruling party viable and attractive to all Nigerians willing to participate in the democratic process.

    “President Tinubu is an avowed democrat and a firm believer in multiparty democracy. His political activism and democratic credentials in galvanising and strengthening opposition platforms as a force that defeated a sitting President and the then ruling party attest to his credibility as a tested defender of multiparty democracy.

    “We urge all Nigerians to join hands with the administration in protecting our democracy by respecting our people’s choices and giving alarmists, who draw their narratives from the pool of fiction, a wide berth”.

  • JUST IN: APC heavyweights storm Delta ahead Oborevwori’s reception

    JUST IN: APC heavyweights storm Delta ahead Oborevwori’s reception

    Political heavyweights in the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the nation have started arriving in Delta State ahead of Monday’s reception of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori into the ruling party.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Oborevwori and major stakeholders of the PDP in Delta last Wednesday formally disclosed moving away from the party to join the APC.

    All the PDP defectors, including the former Governor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, are to be received into the APC by Vice President Kashim Shettima at a rally at the Cenotaph in Asaba on Monday.

    At the time of filing this report, National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, and APC Governors led by Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, have arrived Asaba.

    TNG reports the APC Chieftains were received by Governor Oborevwori at the Government House, Asaba ahead of the historic official defection of the PDP members to the APC.

    It was gathered that the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo; Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo; Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji; Senator Adams Oshiomhole and many others have arrived in the State.

    “Other Governors are currently on their way,” Ossai Success, a media aide to Governor Oborevwori disclosed in a statement sighted by TheNewsGuru.com (TNG).

    Earlier in a statement welcoming Governor Oborevwori and members of the PDP, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege had laid claim to being the leader of the APC in Delta.

    ALSO READ || Issues arising from Oborevwori’s defection are currently being addressed – Omo-Agege

    In the statement released on Sunday, Omo-Agege described the defection as historic and stressed that issues arising from the defection are currently being addressed.

    APC Governors just arived Government House Asaba Ahead of Governor Oborevwori Official Decamping To APC Tomorrow

    APC Governors , APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje just arived Government House Asaba Ahead of Governor Oborevwori Official Decamping To APC Tomorrow

    Commend Delta Governor Over Ongoing Development.

    Today the Delta State Governor Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori received APC governors led by chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo state.

    The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Edo State Monday Okpebholo, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji , Senator Adams Oshiomhole and others were also on ground .

    Others governors are on currently on their way .

    They are commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over ongoing development in Delta State.

    Posted by Ossai Ovie Success on Sunday 27 April 2025

  • “I am Delta APC leader” – Omo-Agege reacts over Oborevwori’s defection

    “I am Delta APC leader” – Omo-Agege reacts over Oborevwori’s defection

    Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the Deputy President of the 9th Senate, has welcomed Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports in the statement welcoming Governor Oborevwori into the APC, Senator Omo-Agege referred to himself as the Leader of APC in Delta State.

    Recall Oborevwori recently decamped from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) along with his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, moving all the party structures along with him into the APC.

    In the statement issued on Sunday, Omo-Agege described the defection as historic and stressed that issues arising from the defection are being carefully considered.

    The former Deputy Senate President in the statement urged all LGA and Ward Chairmen of the APC, their executives, party members, and teeming supporters to turn out en-masse for the welcome reception of the new members.

    The statement reads: “The leadership of the Delta State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) warmly welcomes His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and all leaders and members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “This historic move underscores the success of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in driving growth and development in our country.

    “In line with outcomes of deliberations with the national leadership of our Party, the Progressive Governors Forum and Delta APC stakeholders, I wish to assure all stakeholders that any issues arising from this development are being carefully considered and managed with prudence and foresight, in the best interests of our party and our beloved state.

    “Let us embrace this development with unity, understanding, and a shared commitment to the progress of Delta State and Nigeria.

    “In this renewed spirit of brotherhood in Delta APC, I urge all LGA and Ward Chairmen, their executives, party members, and our teeming supporters to turn out en-masse for the welcome reception of our new members into the APC on Monday, April 28, 2025 in Asaba.

    “This development reaffirms our commitment to progressive governance, promising a brighter future for our people and a more prosperous, secure, and united Nigeria. Together, we will work tirelessly to achieve greatness for Delta State and Nigeria.

    “I also take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his political sagacity and visionary leadership, as well as to the National Chairman and the entire National Working Committee of the APC for their unwavering support and tireless efforts. May their efforts continue to yield positive outcomes for our great party”.

    TNG, meanwhile, reports APC heavyweights have started arriving in Asaba, Delta State capital ahead of Monday’s reception of Governor Oborevwori and PDP members into the party.

  • Governance must trump politics for Nigeria’s progress — Experts declare at Advocate lecture

    Governance must trump politics for Nigeria’s progress — Experts declare at Advocate lecture

    Leaders in governance, academia, civil society, and media converged at Wetland Hotel, Ughelli, Delta State on Friday, April 25, 2025, to dissect the widening gap between politics and governance in Nigeria.

    The occasion was the second edition of the Advocate Publication Ltd Annual Lecture Series, with the theme: “Between Governance and Politics: The Delicate Balancing to Ensure Growth and Development.”

    Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, Chief Executive Officer of Advocate Publication Ltd, publishers of Advocate Newspaper, noted that the lecture series was borne out of a desire to trigger vital conversations about the nation’s development.

    “We are disturbed by a trend where the obsession with political survival overshadows the responsibility of governance. Officeholders get sworn in and immediately begin preparing for the next election,” he lamented.

    Onitsha stressed that Nigeria cannot progress when leaders treat governance as a secondary concern.

    “We must begin to interrogate what value politics brings if it fails to deliver development. This platform is our contribution to nation-building — to inspire a reset in thinking and practice among our political leaders,” he added.

    Chairman of the event, Olorogun Austin Emaduku, described governance and politics as two forces that must operate in synergy.

    “Governance is about policy implementation, while politics is about power dynamics. But if power is pursued without a governance agenda, the people suffer. We need to strike a balance that ensures both serve the national interest,” he said.

    Emaduku argued that sustainable growth can only come when politics supports governance rather than obstructing it. “Strong institutions, ethical leadership, and active citizen engagement are necessary pillars for this balance,” he added, urging citizens not to be passive but to demand accountability.

    Keynote speaker, Prof. Abanum Innocent Ifelunini, a development economist, said Nigeria’s underdevelopment can largely be traced to the politicization of governance.

    “When short-term political interests take precedence over long-term planning, there can be no meaningful development. We must rethink politics and insist on responsible governance,” he advised.

    Speaking to journalists after the event, Prof. Ifelunini further emphasized the need for continuity in economic policy and national planning.

    “Governance must not stop because politics is heating up. Politicians must understand that true leadership means looking beyond the next election,” he said.

    Amb. Pas Edewor Egedegbe, moderator of the panel session and Executive Director of Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, noted that citizens have a role to play in bridging the gap between politics and governance.

    “Too many Nigerians only wake up during elections and go back to sleep afterward. Governance begins where politics ends — we must learn to hold leaders accountable all year round,” he said.

    Egedegbe added that events like the lecture series were timely, especially with unfolding political developments in Delta State.

    “The relevance of this conversation cannot be overstated. Citizens must stop clapping for politicians who fail to deliver. Our silence is complicity,” he said.

    In a passionate comment, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha pointed to what he described as a national crisis of misplaced priorities.

    “Even at the federal and state levels, midway into political terms, we see more campaigns and power plays than policy conversations. Where then is governance?” he asked rhetorically.

    According to Onitsha, the lack of visible development agendas is a symptom of a deeper structural problem. “If governance continues to be sacrificed on the altar of political ambition, we will keep recycling poverty and stagnation,” he warned.

    Discussants at the event included Prof. Andrew Agboro, Amb. Stella Odika, and Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, who all echoed the need for electoral reforms, institutional strength, and public enlightenment to fix the imbalance between politics and governance.

    Participants praised Advocate Newspaper for its foresight in hosting the lecture. One attendee said, “This isn’t just a lecture; it’s a wake-up call. Our future as a nation depends on getting governance right.”

    As the session closed, the consensus was clear — Nigeria must recalibrate its leadership ethos. Politics should no longer be a game of survival, but a tool to engineer lasting development. Governance, they said, must once again take its rightful place at the heart of leadership.

  • Oborevwori moves to revoke Senate Building contract as DELSU graduates 6,401

    Oborevwori moves to revoke Senate Building contract as DELSU graduates 6,401

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has ordered initiation of revocation proceedings for the abandoned Senate Building project of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.

    Governor Oborevwori, who gave the order in his remarks at the 17th convocation of the University in Abraka, said the revocation would enable the state government re-award it to a capable contractor and ensure swift completion.

    The Governor’s directive was in response to the Vice Chancellor Prof. Samuel Asagba’s request to complete the Senate building, which has been abandoned for over 22 years.

    The Governor directed the Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerowho Tonukari, to ensure the project was revoked to ensure prompt completion.

    In line with the tradition of the university, Governor Oborevwori also approved automatic employment for the overall best graduating student of the university, Okwa Favour Oghenemine, a mathematics graduate from the Faculty of Science with 4.95 CGPA.

    Oborevwori congratulated the graduands who had been found worthy in learning and character for the award of various degrees of the great citadel of learning.

    Governor Oborevwori commended the University’s Governing Council and management for the impressive growth recorded by the institution over the years.

    The Governor had on arrival inaugurated the 1km Road linking Faculty Basic Medical Science to Faculty of Arts and lauded the University’s Governing Council and Management for the various projects executed during the short period.

    The Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of DELSU, General Alexander Ogomudia, thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwwori for the assistance he has rendered to the school and called on donor agencies and philanthropic individuals to contribute to infrastructural growth of the university.

    While calling on the state government to fast track completion of all ongoing and abandoned projects in the school and equally reminded graduands of the need to be good ambassadors of the institution in their various endeavours.

    Welcoming guests earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Samuel Asagba, said that a total of 6,401 students were graduated from the 2023/2024 academic session, with total of 830 postgraduate degrees, comprising 154 Doctor of Philosophy, 438 Masters Degrees and 238 Postgraduate Diploma.

    He said the university had attained 100 per cent accreditation of all its programmes, adding that it was recently ranked 20th position among over 300 Nigerian universities and 3rd position among state-owned universities in the country by the global SciVal Ranking tool of Elsevier.

    The Vice-Chancellor commended Governor Oborevwori, for his commitment to the growth and development of the citadel of higher academic learning.

    He said the university has completed several projects within the short period of his appointment as 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University.

    At the convocation, the university confered honorary degrees to foremost entrepreneur and philanthropist, Chief Broderick Uvieoghene Arigbodi, Doctor of Science, renowned literary scholar, Professor Tanure Ojaide with Doctor of Letters, and outstanding industrialist and philanthropist, High Chief Eta Enahoro with Honorary Doctor of Business Administration.

    The valedictorian, Okwa Favour Oghenemine of the Faculty of Science with 4.95 CGPA, thanked God for their success and appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, management and staff of the university for instituting the Students’ Work and Scholarship Schemes, which enabled indigent students to sustain their academic pursuits.

  • Every political ideology needs a platform to manifest – Oborevwori’s Spokesman

    Every political ideology needs a platform to manifest – Oborevwori’s Spokesman

    The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Sir Festus Ahon, has said that every political ideology requires a veritable platform to manifest.

    He made this assertion while explaining the recent move of the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and legion of other political leaders in the state from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Speaking on the programme “Inside Our Government” on Wazobia FM, Ahon said the primary reason for the defection of Governor Oborevwori and other Delta PDP members to the APC was the leadership crisis currently plaguing the PDP at the national level.

    He noted that the crisis could greatly hinder the PDP’s chances in future elections.

    “The PDP at the national level is unsettled. As of today, there are two individuals claiming the position of National Secretary. You can’t imagine going into an election with such confusion, who will sign the nomination forms? Who will organize the party primaries? We cannot mortgage our political future to the interests of such individuals,” he said.

    “Furthermore, there are significant benefits for a state when it aligns with the government at the center. With our current position in the APC, we expect increased federal presence in the state in terms of infrastructures and appointments.”

    According to him, anyone with genuine political aspirations and the interest of the people and state at heart must seek a platform that enables them to achieve desirable development goals.

    “As of today, the APC is the party that can help us achieve those goals, which is why we are now in the APC,” he added.

    “The DNA of Delta used to be PDP, but as of today, it is APC.”

    Addressing claims that former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa defected to the APC to avoid prosecution over alleged corruption during his time in office, Ahon dismissed the accusations as baseless.

    “The allegations against Okowa are untrue. In politics, you’ll always find enemies and blackmailers. That petition was the handiwork of mischief-makers,” he said.

    “Okowa is not a fraudulent person and has no inclination toward fraud. I won’t preempt the EFCC’s investigation, but I’m confident he did not commit any fraud and will be cleared.”

    On the politics of 2027 elections, Ahon emphasized that Governor Oborevwori is currently focused on governance and delivering on his mandate.

    “As of today, our focus is on developing the state and improving the lives of our people. When the time for politics comes, we will engage in it. But for now, we are concentrating on governance,” he added.

    He encouraged Deltans to expect more development, peace, security, and increased prosperity for the state.

  • Harrison Gwamnishu steps down as Delta governor’s aide

    Harrison Gwamnishu steps down as Delta governor’s aide

    Harrison Gwamnishu, the Delta State governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society and Youth Mobilization, has resigned from his position effective April 25, 2025.

    The former aide in his resignation letter addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and posted on his Facebook page on Friday, cited the government’s alleged inaction on insecurity issues despite his repeated warnings and recommendations.

    The activist further expressed disappointment that his efforts to address the pressing concerns of insecurity in the state were not being taken seriously by the administration, adding that the continuous escalation of insecurity and lack of effective solutions rendered him unable to fulfill his duties with integrity and effectiveness.

    He appreciated the opportunities he had during his tenure and the relationships he built with colleagues, community members, and the state at large.

    The letter says, “I write to formally tender my resignation as Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society and Youth Mobilization from today, 25th April, 2025.

    “This decision comes after a considerable reflection and a deep sense of disappointment regarding the ongoing issues of insecurity in our communities, which I have continuously brought to your attention.

    “Despite numerous messages, calls , blueprint documents aimed at addressing these pressing concerns, have all been thrown out, I have come to the unfortunate realization that meaningful solutions are not being accepted by your administration.

    “As a civil rights leader, I accepted this appointment as a commitment to serve and protect our community.

    “However, the continuous escalation of insecurity and the persistent lack of action to provide effective resolutions have rendered me unable to fulfil my duties with the integrity and effectiveness that I believe are essential.

    “My commitment to the safety and well-being of our communities remains unwavering, but my agitations is that these crucial issues on insecurity ought to be prioritized. It is my hope that my resignation will drive the urgent need for action and inspire a renewed focus on the safety of our citizens.

    “I am grateful for the opportunities I was bestowed during my time and for the relationship I have built with my colleagues and community members and the state at large.

    “I genuinely hope for a future where we can work together to create a safer and more secure Delta state for all.

    “Thank you for your understanding. I wish the government all the best in its future endeavours and will continue to serve my community in my private capacity.”

  • Delta Politics: Isoko North PDP joins APC, cites national crisis [Photos]

    Delta Politics: Isoko North PDP joins APC, cites national crisis [Photos]

    In a dramatic turn of events that signals a major political realignment in Delta State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Isoko North Local Government Area has officially collapsed its structure into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing unresolved crises at the national level of the PDP.

    The decision was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday at the Erawha-Owhe country home of Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko, the member representing the Isoko Federal Constituency.

    The motion for defection was moved by former Isoko North Council Chairman, Hon. Chief Apar Itesah, and seconded by Hon. Jude Ogbimi, a former member of the State House of Assembly and was subsequently put to a voice vote and overwhelmingly approved.

    Addressing party leaders and supporters at the meeting, Hon. Bernard Odior, the member representing Isoko North State Constituency, described the defection as a necessary step, prompted by the PDP’s lingering national leadership crisis.

    “We currently have three individuals claiming the position of National Secretary in the PDP.

    “That level of disorganization has made it impossible for the party to function effectively. Those fueling the crisis do not have any real stake in the party’s success and we cannot afford to repeat the Zamfara scenario here in Delta.” Odior stated.

    The lawmaker further urged all former PDP members in the area to proceed to their wards and register officially with the APC, emphasizing the need to consolidate their presence within the ruling party.

    In his remarks, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko noted that while Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other stakeholders of the party made significant efforts to save the PDP at the national level, those efforts were ultimately futile.

    He lamented the lack of support for opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly, describing their experience as being “like orphans.”

    “We took this decision in the best interest of our people and to protect the political future of Delta State,” Ukodhiko said, adding,  “We must now work with the APC to ensure we remain at the center of national politics.”

    He also commended Governor Oborevwori for his leadership, stating that the people of Delta State made the right choice in electing him.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, highlighted the strategic advantage of aligning with the ruling party.

    “Delta State has been in the opposition for the last ten years, and we’ve been missing out on developmental opportunities.

    “This move is a chance to bring meaningful projects to the Isoko nation.” he said.

    Chairman of the Isoko North Local Government Council, Hon. Godwin Ogorugba, urged stakeholders to educate members on the APC’s identity and prepare for a grand rally scheduled for Monday in Asaba, where Governor Oborevwori is expected to be officially welcomed into the APC.

  • Delta’s shift to APC a united move for state’s advancement – Ahon

    Delta’s shift to APC a united move for state’s advancement – Ahon

    The Chief Press Secretary, CPS to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Sir Festus Ahon, says the governor’s switch along with former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the entire state PDP structure to the All Progressives Congress, APC was a joint decision aimed squarely at protecting Delta’s best interests.

    Speaking on Yanga FM’s “Wetin Dey Happen,” Ahon described the defection as a “political tsunami”, adding that, in politics, “there is that notion that there is no permanent friend and no permanent enemy, but permanent interests. Right now, our interest is to align with the government at the centre for the benefit of Delta and the people.”

    Ahon stressed that Oborevwori, known for deep grassroots ties, did not act unilaterally, saying; “after wide consultations with party leaders and stakeholders, everyone agreed to move to the APC. It wasn’t just the governor’s call; it was the collective will of Delta PDP.”

    The shift, he added, was expected to draw more Federal Government projects and attention to the state.

    Dismissing claims that former governor Ifeanyi Okowa joined the APC to dodge EFCC investigations, Ahon called the allegation “baseless political witch‑hunting,” expressing optimism that Okowa would ultimately be cleared.

    He urged all Deltans to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration in Abuja and Governor Oborevwori’s administration in Asaba for the state’s overall development.

  • Defections: Those leaving should go to allow us rebuild PDP -Saraki assures

    Defections: Those leaving should go to allow us rebuild PDP -Saraki assures

    … PDP experiencing a rebirth

    …says a one-party state as being disingenuously designed by some people won’t augur well

    Ex-Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has said those willing to leave the Peoples Democratic Party PDP should be allowed to go to enable the party reposition itself.

    Saraki made this disclosure in a statement he personally signed on Thursday night saying:

    “Following the development in the Delta State Chapter of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I have been inundated with phone calls from leaders and members of our party as well as various youths who have been active in promoting democracy and good governance in our country.

    “Many of the callers want to know what my reaction is to the defection of top PDP leaders in Delta State and its impact on our party.

    “My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party and refocusing it to play the role of a viable opposition that will provide a better alternative for the good people of Nigeria.

    “I am convinced that it is important for all Nigerians to work for the sustenance of democracy. And to sustain democracy, there must be viable choices for people at every point. Also, there must be a viable opposition to keep people’s hope alive and create credible alternatives to keep the government on its toes.

    ” A one-party state as being disingenuously designed by some people will not augur well for a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-religious, and highly diversified society like ours. It is even more dangerous when we eliminate alternatives and make people hopeless.

    “Therefore, it is in the interest of Nigeria and the survival of our democracy for the opposition to be vibrant and strong enough with the capacity to replace the ruling party at any point.

    “Thus, my charge to our party members is that the PDP is merely experiencing a rebirth. Those who want to leave the party should go and let those of us remaining have a clear view of who we are talking to and where their political loyalty lies. All we need is for those who want to stay back in PDP to show commitment and we can all work to rebuild the party.

    “This development has vindicated the stance of people like me who have decided to remain silent and watch events unfold. I have seen that there was no sincerity with supposed leaders of the opposition. One was not sure of the next person one was talking to.

    “My appeal to PDP members nationwide is that we should know that the sustenance of democracy is not a sprint. Rather, it is a marathon. It is not a knock-out football match series. It is a league. 24 hours is a long time in politics and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve in the coming weeks and months.

    ” That is why PDP members across the country should not be discouraged, disillusioned, disappointed, or demoralised by the development in Delta State. We should stay strong and focus on strengthening the party. It is not necessary at this point to lament why they left.

    “Our party members should also refrain from blaming our woes on the ruling party. That would be a lazy approach. They are playing politics to win elections. It is our responsibility as party members to ignore their antics and seize the moment and momentum to make our party stronger and better.

    “Yes, it is unbecoming and shocking for the running mate to the standard bearer of a leading party to abandon ship to join the ruling party. This is unprecedented and nobody should try to justify such an act with the talk of being put under pressure. It is simply a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity. The country is experiencing a collapse of leadership values.

    “These developments in the polity are the reason why I have always canvassed the idea that we should emphasize building and strengthening our institutions and not individuals. With the defection of the governor of Delta State, even if the party has only ten governors in its fold, the PDP is still in a good position to win the next round of elections..

    “Our numerous party members should know that the PDP is better with fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined, dedicated, and committed to its ideas, ideals, and progress than to have so many who will identify with us in the afternoon and be romancing the ruling party in the night.

    “We still have about two years before the next election. That is a long time in politics. We have enough time to brace up to the challenge. There is nothing that prevents us from getting some governors from the other parties to join our ranks.

    “My appeal to our young party members is that this defection is just a mere challenge to us to further mobilize and put our house in order. Also, our women’s wing should seize the opportunity to help in the rebuilding mission. The PDP will come out stronger from this development.

    “I am very sure the various leadership organs of our party will soon make public their reaction to this development and convey the necessary meetings to strategize on how to strongly and strategically respond to it. Therefore there is no cause for alarm.

    “Our party members should not lose focus, hope, or the determination to win. We should see the current development as a challenge to rebuild and refocus the party. Tomorrow is very bright.