Category: Politics

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, has predicted further defections to the party, noting that many politicians yet to join the ruling party were reassessing their political future.

He urged the people of Rivers State to support the APC in the forthcoming elections, saying that sustained electoral backing is critical to consolidating development and entrenching the party in the South-South.

Basiru spoke at the commissioning of the permanent secretaries’ quarters in Rivers State, where he congratulated Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the APC on the governor’s entry into the party.

He said the South-South has become the first geopolitical zone with all APC governors, stressing that Rivers State occupies a strategic position in realising that objective.

While declaring that more people will soon join the APC, he said: “Those standing aloof are checking their time. Very soon, party stalwarts and relevant political actors will join the APC. We assure everyone that the party will create an enabling political environment for all.”

Meanwhile, two senators from Rivers State, Allwell Onyesoh and Barinada Mpigi, formally defected to the APC yesterday.

The lawmakers cited irreconcilable internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the need to align with the Federal Government to better serve their constituents. Their defections were announced separately on the floor of the Senate during plenary, in the presence of a high-powered APC delegation from the national and state levels.

Onyesoh, who represents Rivers East Senatorial District, said his decision followed extensive consultations with political leaders and stakeholders in his constituency.

Similarly, Mpigi, who represents Rivers South-East Senatorial District, hinged his defection on constitutional provisions, arguing that the PDP had become engulfed in unresolved crises.

“In accordance with Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I hereby announce my defection to the APC,” he said.

He maintained that persistent factional disputes within the PDP at the national, state, local council and ward levels had made continued membership untenable.

In a related development, six members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have also defected from the PDP to the APC, following the recent exit of Fubara and 15 lawmakers from the opposition party.

Those who defected are Dumnamene Dekor (Khana/ Gokana), Solomon Bob (Abua/Odual and Ahoada East), Hart Cyril (Degema/Bonny), Victor Obuzor (Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni), Blessing Amadi (Port Harcourt II) and Felix Nweke (Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai).

The wave of defections of political office holders from Rivers State is apparently strengthening the APC’s political foothold in Rivers State, one of the nation’s most strategic political and economic centre’s. Guardian

The Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has decisively declared that the party has entered its  “New Era of Unity”.

In a move designed to consolidate and reinvigorate the party base, the Board of Trustees-the party’s conscience, resolved that the period of internal discord is over.

Speaking at the meeting, the BOT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara emphasized the urgency of the moment and charged other party members and supporters to work with the new NWC to ensure unity and stability.

“First, let me congratulate the PDP for the successful conduct of the National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State. The Convention is a clear demonstration of our Party’s enduring commitment to internal democracy and transparency”

Senator Wabara, on behalf of the Board of Trustees (BoT), declared their unalloyed support for the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC).

He said “We declare our full support for the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee. From the early days of their tenure, it appears that our party is being repositioned, structures are being strengthened, and confidence is being restored across the federation. These are giant strides that give hope not just to Party members, but to millions of Nigerians who look to the PDP as a credible alternative to the current state of affairs”

However, as the party celebrates the successes gained by the newly elected NWC, the BOT calls for unity and reconciliation, saying “…as we celebrate progress, we must also embrace unity. This is the moment that calls for reconciliation and healing”. Senator Wabara declared.

In his reaction, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, on behalf of the newly elected National Working Committee (NWC), thanked the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and other members of the Board for their support, and for participating in the November 15, 16, 2025 National Convention of the Party in Ibadan, Oyo State.

“We have had a lot of ups and downs. We fought ourselves and we fought each other.  Other people fought us from within and from without. Now, it is time for peace. And one of the cardinal principles that we intend to pursue in our leadership is the issue of reconciliation”- Turaki declared.

The PDP leader urged all members, support groups, and stakeholders to embrace this new directive and work collaboratively toward the stability and progress of the party.

“We believe that there is no dispute, no disagreement, and no misunderstanding, that is irreconcilable, provided there is a common objective and common will”- He stated.

The meeting was attended by prominent members of the Party who are members of the BOT, including the former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Muhammed Makarfi, former Governor of Enugu State, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, among others.

President Bola Tinubu has recounted how he and the late former President Muhammadu Buhari forged a political alliance that led to the defeat of an incumbent president in the 2015 general election.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has said she will not defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite what she described as repeated efforts by individuals linked to the Presidency to persuade her to join the ruling party.

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Kabiru Turaki (SAN), has stated that the task of sacking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), from Aso Rock in 2027 is possible due to the incompetence of the ruling party, adding, however, that it won’t be a tea party.

Addressing journalists yesterday after a 40-minute closed-door meeting of PDP leaders with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Turaki stated that the frank discussion between the opposition party leaders and the former president has further inspired them that the task ahead is not impossible.

Turaki led the party’s newly elected National Working Committee (NWC) on a visit to Obasanjo to secure his critical support and guidance ahead of the party’s task.

He described Obasanjo as a highly experienced elder statesman and former president under the PDP administration, whose legacy of building strong institutions has significantly strengthened democratic development in the country.

Explaining the purpose of the visit, Turaki said the opposition party’s new leadership thought it wise to visit Obasanjo to draw on his wealth of wisdom and seek his blessings and support for the success of the party’s new leaders.

In the entourage of the new PDP leadership were the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara; the National Secretary and former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja; two former governors of Niger and Plateau States, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu; and Senator Jonah Jang, respectively.

“As the newly elected PDP leadership during our recent congress at Ibadan, we came to introduce ourselves to our father, the former president under the PDP administration, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,” Turaki said.

Continuing, Turaki added: “We came to thank the former president for his vision and contributions to strengthening our democracy and good governance while he was in power. We came to thank him for helping build strong institutions that the country continues to enjoy to this day.

“We have also come to see the former president to draw inspiration from him as an oracle; we have come to get guidance; we have come to get advice; we have equally come to get critical support because if we must succeed in the gargantuan assignment that has been thrust upon our shoulders, then we must come to people like Chief Obasanjo who have the prerequisite experience.

“There is a proverb that says that a woman who started cooking before you must definitely have more broken pots. We have come to see our father here in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, and we have spoken to Baba, and Baba has spoken to us as well; we are enriched.

“We have also realised more than ever before now that yes, the task before us may not be an easy one, but from the inspiration and guidance that we have received from Baba today, we are more than ready to go all the way and take PDP back to the seat of power come 2027,” Turaki explained.

He stated that PDP is battle-ready for 2027, adding that this would be more evident when the party wins the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

“PDP is battle-ready for 2027, and as our mark of readiness, we shall take over Ekiti State and then follow up with Osun State.

“By the time we win these two states, we shall leave no one in doubt that PDP, once again, is on the move, PDP is on the rise to chase out the APC government with all its incompetence and maladministration in 2027”.

Addressing the teeming party members later at the state party secretariat, Turaki urged PDP members globally to support the party’s new leadership, saying the era of impunity and shenanigans is over.
He said that “the truth is that PDP is back and is on the rise to take its rightful place in the democratic process of the country.

“The Nigerians could see that since our convention held in Ibadan, the APC is now worried more than ever before; they know that the equation has changed and that PDP is ready to send them packing in 2027,” he added.

The National Secretary of the party, Arapaja, and the BoT Chairman, Wabara, in their separate addresses, also urged the party members to remain united and begin massive mobilization.

Speaking with journalists at the event, the party’s state chairman, Abayomi Tella, said party members were pleased to be the first state to receive the party’s leadership after their election in Ibadan about three weeks ago.

Tella said, “We are all very happy, our hope is rekindled, now we know that the end has come to all the shenanigans of the past in the party, it is a new dawn, and we are all happy”. ThisDay

Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

The Peoples Democratic Party has announced the constitution of a Caretaker Committee for the party in Enugu, Delta and Rivers State.

In a public notice shared on the party’s verified X handle, dated December 12, 2025 and signed by Theophilus Dakas Shane, PDP’s National Organizing Secretary, the party noted that the caretaker committee was approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), pursuant to the party’s constitution.

The party revealed that the caretaker committee will serve “for a period not exceeding 90days or till such a time a new executive shall be elected”.

PACESETTER reports that in Enugu State, the PDP’s decision reaffirmed Oruruo’s leadership of the party.

See the full notice below:

PDP NWC Constitutes Caretaker Committees for Enugu, Delta and Rivers States.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of our Great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), @OfficialPDPNig has, on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC), pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) of our Constitution (2025 as amended), approved the constitution of Caretaker Committees for Enugu, Delta and Rivers States Chapters.

The members of the Committees are:

Enugu State- 

1.BARR. STEVE ORURUO-CHAIRMAN

2.UGWU UCHENNA GODSWILL-MEMBER

3.LILIAN C. C. UGWUOKE-MEMBER

4.ANIKEZIE MICHAEL -MEMBER

5.COSMAS CHINWE UGWU               -MEMBER

6.BARR. BASIL AGUIGWO-MEMBER

7.CHIEF COSMAS ONYIA-MEMBER

8.BARR. PETER AJAH-MEMBER

9.MARTIN UGWUAMADIEZE               -SECRETARY

Delta State- 

1.PROF. SYLVESTER MONYE-CHAIRMAN

2.UJOR UCHEONNY-MEMBER

3.PHARM. VICTOR OFOBRUKUETA-MEMBER

4.COMDR. JOHNBULL AGHOGHO KENAIRU -MEMBER

5.JACKSON AGBOR-MEMBER

6.ONAJEGA MIKE        -MEMBER

7.CHIEF EKIYOR CHARLES        -MEMBER

8.HON. MRS. VERO EGBUNA -MEMBER

9.CHUKWUNONSO ALEX NDAH- MEMBER

10.WALTER UGUOYE        -MEMBER

11.DR MICHAEL TIDI, ESQ-SECRETARY

Rivers State – 

1.DR. NNAME ROBINSON EWOR-CHAIRMAN

2.MR. ALALIBO GRAHAM BRAIDE-MEMBER

3.PRINCESS ISIOMA STELLA BRAIDE-MEMBER

4.ARC. ELDRED OWUPELU-ORUBO-MEMBER

5.AUSTIN EMA WALI-MEMBER

6.MR. ADA UTONG-MEMBER

7.MR. EDWARD NUBARI DAVID-MEMBER

8.DR. PAUL BARIBEFUL NKOR-MEMBER

9.OGBAM OJIMAH-SECRETARY

The Committees are charged with the responsibility of running the affairs of the Party in their various States, as stipulated in Section 21(2)(a-b) of our Party’s Constitution for a period not exceeding 90days or till such a time a new executive shall be elected.

In carrying out these assignments, the Committee are to be guided strictly by the PDP Constitution (2025, as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

Once again, Congratulations!

Signed:

Theophilus Dakas Shan
National Organizing Secretary
December, 12, 2025.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has unveiled the Accord Party as his new political platform, announcing his intention to seek re-election for a second term on the platform of the party.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress from the Peoples Democratic Party.

The governor announced his defection at a stakeholders meeting held at the government house in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Fubara’s defection is the latest in a host of defections to the ruling APC this year.

More Details Later…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike says he and other founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will not allow those who joined PDP from other parties to kill the party.

…as Nkanu West LG, ward executives are inaugurated

…Nkanu West will reward Governor Mbah in 2027 – Council Chairman, Ogbodo

The political atmosphere in Agbani, headquarters of Nkanu West Local Government Area, was charged with renewed energy on Wednesday as the Enugu State APC Caretaker Committee, led by its Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, arrived for the final leg of its statewide tour to inaugurate the newly constituted local government and ward executives of the party.

Dr. Nwoye, who was accompanied by the Committee Secretary, Rt. Hon. Barr. Eugene Odo, and other members including Ambassador Fidelia Njeze; Comrade Peter Chime; Dr. (Mrs.) Oby Ajih; Dr. Chiedozie Nwafor; and Engr. Emma Ekeh, was received by a large crowd of party faithful, stakeholders, and government officials.

Also in the delegation were the immediate past PDP State Chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, and the Governor’s Political Adviser, Hon. Chief Frank Anioma.

In his remarks, Dr. Nwoye described the APC as the winning party in Enugu State, noting that its prospects were already becoming evident. He recalled that, even while he was a committed member of the APC, he attended Governor Peter Mbah’s 2023 governorship rally dressed in full APC uniform because he was convinced at the time that the tide of history had already shifted.

According to him, he foresaw that the PDP was doomed, while Governor Mbah represented a different kind of leadership.

“It was obvious that Governor Mbah was poised to perform exceptionally once freed from the distractions of a party weighed down by internal conflicts and strengthened through political alignment with the centre,” he said.

He praised Governor Mbah for his courage and vision, adding that the governor’s performance and the new political stability in the state had vindicated that conviction.

The Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Hon. John Ogbodo, who hosted the event, commended Governor Mbah’s transformation agenda. He described the governor as a leader with both the will and the capacity to execute projects earlier written off as impossible by past administrations.

Ogbodo cited critical roads and infrastructure now under construction, praising Mbah for empowering sons and daughters of Nkanu West and for repositioning the local government as an essential partner in Enugu’s development trajectory.

He further described the proposed 2026 budget as unheard of in its scale and ambition, affirming that stakeholders in Nkanu West were fully united behind the governor’s move to the APC.

“In 2027, Nkanu West will reward Governor Mbah. When the time for campaigning comes, we will show what loyalty and gratitude mean,” he stated.

In his remarks, the immediate past Chairman of PDP, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, justified the movement of not only the governor but also the entire structure of state leadership—from national to state and local government levels—into the APC. He argued that the realignment reflected the practical realities of governance and the collective interest of the people of Enugu State.

Other speakers who lent their voices in support of the governor and the new political direction in the state included the Member representing Nkanu West in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mainstream Media, Dan Nwomeh; Chairman of the Enugu State Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board, Dr. Amaka Ngene; and party chieftain, Chief Mike Onu.

The gathering also witnessed the presence of the Deputy Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Hon. Friday Nnam; the Council Secretary, Prince Barr. Onochie Igweshi; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Strategic Communication, Dr. Collins Ogbu; Special Assistant on Media, Darlington Arinze Nnamani; former council chairman, Arc. Nnaemeka Nnamani; and former member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Barr. Nwabueze Ugwu, among other dignitaries.

The highpoint of the rally was the inauguration of the local government and ward executives of the party by the State Secretary, Hon. Barr. Eugene Odo, followed by the presentation of the party’s flag and brooms to the newly inaugurated Chairman of the party in the local government, Hon. Sunday Onovo, and his Exco members.

16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).