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Tag: PDP

  • Okowa never regretted being on joint ticket with Atiku – Aide

    Okowa never regretted being on joint ticket with Atiku – Aide

    Former Delta Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa never said that he regretted being a Vice Presidential candidate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections.

    The Executive Assistant to Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika made the clarification at a press conference in Asaba on Wednesday .

    Ifeajika, who was reacting to a report credited to Gov. Okowa following an interview with the Arise Television on Tuesday, said the reaction was to put the records straight.

    He said that it was wrong for whoever that put out that report to misrepresent facts, adding that those who took time out to listen to the interview would testify that Okowa never said so.

    Ifeajika, who was a Chief Press Secretary to Okowa said, ”the immediate past Gov. Okowa never said he regretted being on that ticket with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. He also did not say that he regretted being the Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP.

    “When Okowa was asked the question of what happened to the PDP, particularly in Delta, as a Vice Presidential candidate where it was expected that he would win;

    “What he (Okowa) said was that it was discovered that the southern Nigerians appeared to have resolved on having a president from the Southern extraction.

    “And that was what happened, during our campaigns, we realised that that was what the people wanted and they got it. It was not as if PDP had bad candidates.

    “That was why Sen. Bola Tinubu won the election and the other person from the South that did well in the Presidential election was Mr Peter Obi. It was a justification of that resolve of the people of the south to have a president from the south,” he said.

    Ifeajika said that the PDP not winning much votes then from the south was due to a whirlwind which was then known as “Obident Movement” through the Labour Party as the vehicle that came and took everybody by  surprise.

    He said the people got what they wanted, adding that the lessons leant from that movement was the need to do some needs assessment on what the people wanted.

    Ifeajika noted that in spite of the discovery, that the people of the South had resolved to vote for a southern president, that Okowa being a party man and having being duly nominated as the vice presidential candidate of the PDP never backed out of the  party.

    He said though while the people of south were thinking of zoning and power shift, the PDP national opened the platform for all candidates to contest which saw Atiku and Okowa emerging as the party flag bearers.

    “Okowa met all the profile as listed by Atiku and was duly nominated to run as vice presidential candidate in that election. As a party man, he could not have left the party, he had to work for his party.

    ”Like Okowa said in the interview, that during the campaign, it was obvious that the people in the south have resolved in their minds that they wanted a president from the south.

    “So, as much as we try in our campaign to convince them it was obvious that they wanted president from the south,” Ifeajika said.

    Ifeajika said that what was credited to Okowa in the media was most uncharitable and not a representation of what he said during the interview.

    “If whoever puts it out there was doing an interpretative reporting, that was a wrong interpretation of what Okowa said.

    On Okowa’s defection to the APC, Ifeajika said that it has nothing to do with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invitations and questioning.

    He said that Okowa has answered to the petitions and since then the commission has not invited him again because facts presented were not contradictory.

    He said,  PDP if likened to human being is seriously hemorrhaging. Delta is a case of one family remaining intact.

    “Everybody came together to look at the issues and it was agreed unanimously by all stakeholders that the vehicle called PDP at the National was faulting dangerously.

    ”What happened on Monday, April 28 is not done anywhere in this country and beyond where the entire people in a political party making a move as a group.”

    Ifeajika said that the relationship between the former Governors, Chief James Ibori and Okowa remained cordial.

  • LP Publicity Secretary defect to PDP

    LP Publicity Secretary defect to PDP

    Mr Titus Odo, the Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State on Wednesday defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Odo defected to the PDP alongside the former Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Prince Emeka Mamah, who was the State Coordinator of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign in the 2023 Presidential election.

    NAN recalls that the duo dumped the PDP during the 2023 general elections for the LP.

    Receiving the defectors at the party’s State Secretariat, the state PDP Chairman, Dr Martin Chukwunwike, expressed happiness over their decision to return to their former party.

    He explained that state Governor, Mr Peter Mbah gave them directive to do everything possible to bring back aggrieved party members who left the party for one reason or the other.

    “We are happy to have them in our midst and God has set this party on a good foot as 2027 is already assured,” he said.

    The PDP chairman, however, called for unity within the party to package themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Speaking during their presentation to the party state chairman, Odo expressed joy to return to his former party, revealing that Mbah’s massive development in the state informed his decision.

    “I am happy to tell you that I am back to my home. I came back because of the giant developmental strides of Gov Mbah and I say kudos to him.

    “The second reason is the defection of my immediate boss, the LP Governorship candidate for the 2023 election in Enugu State, Dr Chijioke Edeoga.

    “Another reason is that the Council Chairman in Igboeze North, Mr Uchenna Ogara is turning the Council Area into a township,” he said.

    On his part, Mamah also thanked the PDP leadership in Igboeze North, Enugu North senatorial zone and the State chapter of the party for receiving him back to the party.

    He extolled Mbah for extending hands of fellowship to those that had left the party, saying, “Personally, I am pleased with the performances of our governor”.

  • 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.”

  • Breaking: PDP to drag Oborevwori, Okowa, others to court over defection

    Breaking: PDP to drag Oborevwori, Okowa, others to court over defection

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has instructed its Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, to begin the legal processes to challenge the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, former Vice-Presidential candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire PDP structure in Delta State, who recently joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    TheNewsGuru reports that the directive comes shortly after Governor Oborevwori, Okowa, and other key figures from the PDP’s Delta State chapter dumped the opposition party and pledged support to the APC.

    Speaking after the first National Working Committee (NWC) meeting of the year, Acting National Chairman, Amb Umar Damagum, vowed to reclaim its mandate through legal means, as these officials were originally elected under the PDP platform.

    “We are prepared to take legal action to reclaim what belongs to us. “These individuals were elected under our platform, and we will ensure that justice is done,” Damagum said.

    Damagum revealed that the PDP has already assigned Emma Ogidi, the Caretaker Chairman for the South-South zone, the responsibility of taking over the leadership structure in Delta State.

    Ogidi will also seek out new party leaders while disregarding the existing leadership under Chief Dan Orbih, whose influence has now been overshadowed by the defection.

    The recent defection following a closed-door meeting in Asaba which led several key figures from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to switch their allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Among those defecting are Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, state commissioners, local government chairmen, and various grassroots leaders. This political realignment, referred to as the “Hurricane Tinubu,” has significantly weakened the PDP’s longstanding presence in Delta State, traditionally one of its strongholds.

    The shift has raised concerns among opposition figures, who warn that it may indicate a troubling trend towards a one-party state, posing a threat to the democratic process.

    In light of these developments, the PDP has announced a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for May 27, 2025. The meeting will focus on discussing the implications of these defections and formulating the party’s strategy to defend its mandate.

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

    Them belly full, but we hungry – By Owei Lakemfa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    A hungry mob is a angry mob.

    …Cost of livin’ gets so high,

    Rich and poor they start to cry:

    Now the weak must get strong.”

  • Court fines Anyanwu for stalling judgment in suit against PDP

    Court fines Anyanwu for stalling judgment in suit against PDP

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, awarded a N150, 000 fine against Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s National Secretary, for stalling the judgment in his suit filed to challenge his planned removal.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo awarded the fine after Anyanwu’s lawyer, Ken Njemanze, SAN, begged the court that he had just filed a motion to amend the suit, notwithstanding that the matter was fixed for judgment.

    Justice Ekwo, who fixed May 19 for hearing of the motion, ordered that the fine be paid before the next adjourned date.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Ekwo had, on March 25, fixed today for the judgment in Anyanwu’s suit seeking to stop his removal as PDP’s national secretary.

    The judge fixed the date after Njemanze and defence lawyers adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the suit.

    Justice Ekwo also ordered Njemanze to make available to the court within seven days of the order the judgement of the Supreme Court delivered on March 21.

    NAN reports that the Supreme Court had, on March 21, set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, delivered on Dec. 20, 2024, which affirmed the removal of Anyanwu as the national secretary of PDP.

    In a unanimous judgment by a five-member panel, the apex court ruled that matters concerning the leadership or membership of a political party are internal affairs and should not be subject to judicial intervention.

    It held that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter initially brought by Aniagwu Emmanuel, a member of the party.

    However, the judgment, expected to bring an end to the crisis, had left the PDP leadership and members in disarray, as the two main parties in the suit; Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye, now claim to be valid national secretary after the apex court decision.

    Meanwhile, Anyanwu, in the instant suit, had originally sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Umar Damagun, the acting National Chairman of PDP, as 1st and 2nd defendants.

    In the ex-parte motion: marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/254/2025 dated and filed on Feb. 13 by Njemanze, Anyanwu sought two prayers.

    He sought an order of interim injunction, restraining INEC from accepting, acting on or giving effect to any correspondence from the PDP not signed by him pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

    He also sought an order of interim injunction restraining Damagun from dispatching to INEC any correspondence purportedly emanating from PDP signed by the acting chair and not counter signed by him.

    However, the court had, on Feb. 28, joined the PDP and Udeh-Okoye in the suit as 3rd and 4th defendants.
    The judge equally joined Dr Ali Odela and Mr Setonji Koshoedo as 5th and 6th defendants respectively.

    While Odela is said to be the national vice chairman, PDP’s South East; Koshoedo is said to be the deputy national secretary of the party.

    Earlier when the matter was called, Njemanze acknowledged that the matter was fixed for judgment.
    The senior lawyer, however, said that he had a motion to amend their originating process to correct the issue for determination.

    “After the matter was fixed for judgment and on the date of judgment, you bring an application for amendment?” the judge asked.

    Responding, Njemanze said that by virtue of Order 17, Rule 1 of the Federal High Court, the court is conferred with the discretionary power to amend any process before judgment.

    The judge then asked lawyers representing the defendants of they had been served.

    While INEC’s lawyer, Ahmed Mohammed acknowledged being, he said they did not intend to respond.

    Akintayo Balogun, who appeared for Damagun, said though they were served on Thursday (April 24), the application cannot be taken because the business of the day was for judgment.

    According to him, this application seeks to arrest the judgment of this court.

    When the judge asked if they had responded, Balogun said: “We have not reacted because we are still within time.”

    E.E. Ekere, who represented Udeh-Okoye, said they were served on April 24 and planned to respond.
    Koshoedo’s counsel, J.A. Musa, however, told the court that they had not been served.

    But Njemanze insisted that all the defendants had been served according to information at his disposal.
    Justice Ekwo consequently adjourned the matter until May 19 for hearing of the motion.

    “However, since the matter has been fixed for judgment and proceeding of court has been disrupted, I make an order that the learner silk for the plaintiff to pay a fine of N150, 000.

    “And the said fine to be paid before the next adjourned date,” the judge ruled.

  • Real reason I left PDP to APC – Okowa

    Real reason I left PDP to APC – Okowa

    Former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has finally opened up on why he left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Okowa was the Vice Presidential candidate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election under the umbrella of the PDP.

    Speaking in Asaba on Monday when he officially joined the APC along with Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and other leaders of the PDP in Delta, Okowa Said: “Today is a great day for us in Delta State.

    “When the news broke out on Wednesday the 23rd of April, 2025 that we have decided to change our path, people wondered why.

    “But one thing is very important. In the history of a people, there is always a time to change for the common good of a people.

    “Whatever decision that we took was based on that common good and the need to change our path for the common good of our State”.

    Reflecting on his experience as a former governor in opposition, Okowa emphasized that while Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was performing well, aligning with Abuja would strengthen his efforts.

    “It was not about personal ambitions but the need to connect to Abuja, where significant goodwill and resources exist, especially since the State is a major contributor,” Okowa said.

    He called for strong support for both President Bola Tinubu and the Governor, believing that the unity would allow them to dominate the political landscape of Delta State.

    The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, 16 Governors of the APC led by Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Benjamin Kalu, among others.

  • 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.