Category: Politics

The confirmation was made in a statement issued by the APC Delta State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, who said the governor’s new role as party leader aligns with the APC’s longstanding tradition of recognising sitting governors as state leaders of the party.

“This position is not subject to debate or contention,” the statement read. “It is a principle consistent with our party’s tradition and leadership structure across the federation.”

Oborevwori formally joined the APC on Monday, April 28, 2025. His defection was endorsed by the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, during an official ceremony, where the VP affirmed the governor’s leadership role in the Delta APC.

The party warned against any attempts by individuals to challenge the leadership status of Governor Oborevwori, describing such actions as “arrogant” and “reprehensible.”

“Any such posture would amount to a deliberate act of provocation and a source of avoidable tension within our party ranks,” the statement said. “Anyone who seeks to undermine this position by continuing to parade himself as such will face severe sanctions from the party.”

The APC reaffirmed its full support for Oborevwori’s leadership, citing his commitment to delivering good governance through his M.O.R.E. agenda, and urged all party members to unite behind him for the continued development of Delta State. Tribune

The party’s Acting National Chairman, Ilyas Damagum, said the intention is to retrieve their mandate from the governor and the lawmakers.

This is one of the decisions of the National Working Committee (NWC) at its meeting yesterday following the defection of the governor and all elected party and government officials in Delta State to the APC. All of them were received into the ruling party on Monday in Asaba by Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Damagum also said the NWC decided that errant party chiefs, who openly flirt with the APC would be expelled.

Another decision of the NWC, according to him, is the total adoption of the resolutions of the PDP governors’ meeting in Ibadan on April 14.

The PDP governors resolve that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting should hold on May 27 and the national convention slated for August on a date to be decided by the NEC.

The governors also rejected Samuel Anyanwu and Monday Udeh-Okoye, both claimants to the office of National Secretary. They ask Assistant National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, to act until the election of a substantive secretary at the convention.

Damagum, who spoke to reporters after the NWC meeting, said: “We have adopted the decisions of the PDP Governors’ Forum as recommended so that the NEC can take decisions on them,” Damagum stated.

“We are not conquered people, I urge all our supporters to remain loyal; we may have internal crises but they are surmountable like others that we had overcome in the past.

Also, it was decided to among others, constitute a Zoning Committee to address all issues relating to the zoning of party offices arrange for PDP’s National convention in Kano between August 28 to 30.

In Asaba yesterday, the day after the transplant of the PDP structures in the APC, the state secretariat of the PDP was desolate. It remained locked without any sign of life around there, although the party’s name and logo still adorned the building.

Some officials said last night that the secretariat might likely be repainted with APC colours and the PDP flags replaced with that of the APC.

Yesterday, Damagum said a caretaker committee for PDP in Delta to be headed by a past chairman of the chapter, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, would be constituted to run the party on an interim basis until substantive officials are elected.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), endorsed the PDP’s decision to pursue legal action against the defectors.

Moro, who spoke on a television programmed, described the defections as a “reprehensible” betrayal of the party, saying that the move to seek legal redress is justified and necessary to uphold political accountability and deter future betrayals.

Moro argued that the legal action is a critical step in reinforcing the principle that elected officials cannot abandon the platform that brought them to power without consequences.

He said: “As a law-abiding organisation, the PDP has this option, this window of suing these members, not necessarily for the sake of saying, ‘Hey, come back,’ but at least to show that you cannot betray the party and go scot-free.”

Moro emphasised that the defections raised a “moral question,” particularly for prominent figures like Okowa, who rose through the ranks of the PDP as a senator, governor, and the vice-presidential candidate.

He expressed dismay at Okowa’s public regret over his role as the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate, describing it as “uncharitable” and a sign of disloyalty.

Moro stressed: “Having been a senator before, having been a governor before, on the platform of the PDP, I think it’s uncharitable for him to come forth now and say that he regretted being on the ticket. He was not forced. He asked for it, and he was given.”

He said Okowa’s selection as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate was a “political miscalculation,” noting that some party members believed other candidates were more committed and could have delivered better electoral outcomes.

Moro frowned at Okowa’s inability to secure Delta for the PDP in the presidential election, despite being a sitting governor and vice-presidential candidate.

He said: “How can you explain that a sitting governor, a former senator, a vice-presidential candidate of the party, couldn’t deliver his state even to the presidential candidate? His soul was not in the PDP. His soul was not in that election. And that is why we performed very miserably in Delta State.” Nation

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Okowa described his acceptance of the role as a misalignment with the prevailing sentiments in Delta State—an issue he said he has deeply reflected upon.

He offered insights into his political decisions, the internal shifts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the growing support among Delta stakeholders for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

While defending his record in office, including infrastructure achievements, free maternal and child healthcare, and the performance of his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Okowa acknowledged that joining Atiku’s ticket in 2023 came at a significant political cost.

“Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power.

“But the decision had already been taken at the federal level by the party, and I had been nominated. Still, in retrospect, I now believe I should have gone with the will of my people,” he declared.

He linked the PDP’s failure in Delta during the presidential poll to that sentiment, acknowledging that while he ran out of loyalty to his party, the south was interested in producing President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor.

However, Okowa was quick to point out that the tide turned just three weeks later in the governorship election, where PDP triumphed in 21 out of the 25 local governments.

“That showed the people still believed in us, believed in me. They said you’ve done well, and we will support the governor you have chosen.’ And they did,” he said.

On insinuations that his defection was to have his ‘sins forgiven,’ Okowa maintained that there were no sins to be forgiven as he had not committed any, adding that he was never arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but only honoured an invitation by the commission.

Okowa said: “I did well for the people of the state. Petitions can be written by anybody, but whatever petitions are written, the right of investigation is with the EFCC.

“So, there are no fears concerning that at all. And I have never spoken to Adams Oshiomole; we talked for the first time only yesterday because we are of different political parts and because we are of different political parts we were not friends perse.”

He defended his defection not as a personal political maneuver but as the result of extensive consultations across Delta State, adding that continued opposition politics had placed the state at a disadvantage in terms of federal access and influence.

Addressing the moral arguments against his defection to the APC, after serving in multiple positions under PDP, Okowa said he owes no one an apology.

“Yes, I was a key player in the PDP from the formative stages, but the PDP of today is not the same party we built in 1998.

“When you find that the values and vision you once believed in are no longer there, then you step away,” he said. Nation

The forum urged members of the public to disregard the rumour, stating, “That is a rumour from the pit of hell. The governor (Ademola Adeleke) is a PDP governor and he is doing very well.”

“He is not moving to any political party. He will not move. We are members of the executive council and we are close to him. He is going to continue his developmental strides in PDP,” Babatunde explained.

The commissioners and special advisers, comprising the state executive members, expressed their total solidarity and unwavering support for the Governor of Osun State and leader of the state PDP, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.

In a press conference addressed on their behalf by the Secretary of the forum, Barrister Dosu Babatunde, they further maintained their readiness to stand solidly like a rock of Gibraltar behind Governor Adeleke in his quest to take Osun to greater heights.

While pledging their unalloyed loyalty to the ruling party in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Hon. Sunday Bisi, the Osun Executive members emphasised that no amount of political shenanigans by opposition party members would derail the governor’s good intentions for the people, as exemplified by Senator Adeleke.

The message of solidarity issued and sent to the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Senator Ademola Adeleke, by all the members of the Executive Council reads in part:

“Your Excellency, Mr Governor, we are using this opportunity to further affirm and reaffirm our love and unshakable solidarity to you and your administration in Osun State.

“We read and heard with great consternation the many insinuations being mischievously bandied about in certain political quarters, particularly the opposition parties, about the looming mass defection of the Executive Council members from the ruling PDP to another political party.

“This is not only a political fallacy taken to the extreme but a careless and unguarded insinuation by the usual disgruntled members of the opposition party in the state.

“To this end, we are using this opportunity to state and reaffirm, again and again, that no amount of political gerrymandering as currently hatched by the opposition party members in the state will make us party to destroying a house (PDP) which we fought tooth and nail to build.

“Come 2026, the entire people of Osun State will reenact the feat of getting Your Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, returned as Governor of our dear state,” ended the press statement.

Those who addressed the press conference included Abdul Ganiyu Ola-Oluwa, Commissioner for Rural Development; Adekunle Akindele, Special Adviser on Public Health; B.T. Salami, Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration; Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment; Oluwole Jimi Bada, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Biyi Odunlade, Commissioner for Political Affairs and Inter-Governmental Relations; Jola Akintola, Commissioner for Health; Ibitoye Alabi, Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning; Sesan Oyedele, Commissioner for Transport.

Others are Bunmi Jenyo, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry; Olagunju Olalekan, Commissioner for Youth Affairs; Abiodun Ojo, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Aderibigbe Kayode Rasheed, Commissioner for Home Affairs; Dosu Babatunde, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Festus Adeyemo, Commissioner for Energy; Moruf Ayofe, Commissioner for Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy; Adenike Adeleke, Commissioner for Federal Affairs; Sunday Oroniyi, Commissioner for Water Resources; Soji Ajeigbe, Commissioner for Government House Affairs and Protocol; Ayobola Awolowo, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare; Olusola Ogungbile, Commissioner for Finance; Tola Faseru, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security; and Ademola Adeleke, Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development.

Also included were Sunday Dipo Oluwole, Commissioner for Education; Mayowa Adejoorin, Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation; Adebayo Ogungbangbe, Commissioner for Co-operatives and Empowerment; Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media; Eniola Fakeye, Special Adviser on OSEMA/Federal Capital Territory; Bamikole Omisore, Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals; Ropo Oyewole, Special Adviser on Legislative Matters; Azeez Badmus, Special Adviser on ICT; Mojisola Omisore, Special Adviser on RAAMP; S.O. Ojo, Special Adviser on Security Matters; Ajisafe Toyese, Special Adviser on Tax Matters; and Yakubu Adejare, Special Adviser on Transportation. Tribune

In a release, titled, “Democracy Strong And Alive in Nigeria,” signed by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency dismissed accusations that the Tinubu government was inching towards authoritarianism.

Insisting that democracy was not under any threat, the presidency further rejected claims that the country was being turned into a one-party state amid defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by members of leading opposition parties.

The release stated that under Tinubu democracy was waxing stronger, with multiparty democracy making waves.

Puncturing accusations by those it called disgruntled opposition politicians that government was moving towards authoritarianism, the presidency stressed that Tinubu and the leadership of APC deserved commendation for making the ruling party viable and attractive to all Nigerians willing to participate in the democratic process.

The statement said, “We have read the alarming claims orchestrated by 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 the defection of the Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the former governor and vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last election, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and the principal political actors in Delta State, certainly, threw the opposition and their sympathisers into disarray.

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

The president stated, “Contrary to the false claims in the sponsored 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 duty of opposition.

“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.”

The government said in the statement, “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 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.”

The presidency insisted, “We want to state that democracy is not threatened or undermined simply because politicians exercise their rights 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.”

The statement stressed, “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 profound credibility as a tested and relentless defender of multiparty democracy.

“We urge all Nigerians to join hands with the administration in protecting our democracy by respecting their choices and giving a wide berth to peddlers of alarming narratives rooted in fiction.” Thisday

They also called on those aspiring to contest for the country’s number one position in the next general election to shelve their ambitions, stating that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda remains the surest path to Nigeria’s prosperity and progress.

The caucus, comprising two Senators and seven members of the House of Representatives—all members of the Peoples Democratic Party —said their position is based on the visible successes of Tinubu’s agenda, which they described as “working and on course.”

The Rivers NASS caucus made the declaration in a statement they all signed, which was read to newsmen on their behalf by Senator Barry Mpigi in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

They also lauded Tinubu’s economic policies, saying they are aimed at repositioning the country’s ailing economy, among other achievements.

The statement reads: “We, the members of the National Assembly from Rivers State, comprising Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his trust and confidence in our leader, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, following his appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. We are gladdened by the President’s public acknowledgement and commendation of the exceptional performance of the Minister of FCT, whom he described as the ‘Master of Infrastructure.’

“Now, having carefully reviewed the President’s economic policies which are targeted at repositioning our once moribund economy through his Renewed Hope Agenda, and taking into account the massive rot and decadence he inherited on the 29th of May, 2023—including our unenviable debt profile and the terrible inflationary figures occasioned by the printing of N22.7 trillion by the Central Bank of Nigeria through Ways and Means overdraft for the Federal Government between 2015 and 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“And the near-absence of critical infrastructure to support food production; we have come to the conclusion that the President’s economic plan is the surest way out of our country’s social and economic morass. Further, our assessment is firm that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is very much on track with already visible results and a credible basis that offers greater improvement in the economic wellbeing of Nigerians if given the necessary time. Still, we are convinced that the declining inflation figures, the substantial reduction in our foreign debt profile, and an IMF-backed promising growth figure all bode well for the economy in the years ahead.”

While thanking Tinubu for his “swift” intervention in the political crisis in Rivers State, they said the President’s action “has set the process of peace in motion, even as we pray and hope to see a clear path to an enduring peace built on sincerity of purpose.”

The NASS Rivers Caucus reminded that in 2023, “we worked assiduously under the leadership of Nyesom Wike for the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. And we were victorious in that assignment.”

The statement further added: “As members of the National Assembly from Rivers State, we declare unequivocally our unconditional resolve to work again for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027.

“As legislators who are closest to the people, we shall begin the mother of all mobilizations of our people to repeat in greater measure what we did in 2023 in order to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Finally, we call on all Nigerians to support the consolidation of the Renewed Hope Agenda as the surest panacea for the prosperity and progress of Nigeria.

“And, in this connection, we appeal to would-be presidential candidates, especially those with desperate and never-ending presidential ambitions, to jettison such ambition and rally round our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) in 2027.”

The nine Rivers caucus members are Senator Barry Mpigi, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, Solomon Bob, Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, Cyril Hart, Victor Obuzor, and Blessing Amadi. Punch

Wike, the immediate past governor of the state and now estranged godfather of his suspended successor, said he actually wanted Fubara completely ousted as governor only for him (governor) to be saved by the suspension.

The minister also spoke on his distrust of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, his assessment of the chances of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 polls and why he remains resolute in his support for President Bola Tinubu for the elections.

“As a politician, I am not happy with the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State,” Wike said in a televised interview.

“I wanted the outright removal of the governor. The President, by declaring a state of emergency, saved Fubara.”

President Tinubu suspended Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and all members of the House of Assembly for six months, citing security reports.

The President appointed an administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) to run the affairs of the state during the emergency period.

Continuing, Wike said: “The governor was gone. He was gone, yes… so when people say the President did this, I say they should be praising him.

“Every morning, they should go to the President and ask, ‘Can we wash your feet for saving us?’”

The minister said he was not opposed to peace talks with Fubara and alleged that the governor’s advisers were the ones discouraging him from embracing peace.

Wike, who is also locked in a running battle with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as a fall out of the 2022 presidential primary of the PDP, said his opposition to the former vice president was based on principle and not on account of Atiku’s refusal to pick him as running mate for the 2023 election.

His words: “I wanted power rotation. I could not have imagined that after eight years of Buhari, power goes to north again.

“It is not about whether you chose to field me or not, it’s about principle.

“To take that decision was difficult. A decision had to be taken and I looked at it, Atiku was not an option. So, he was a no go area.”

Wike denied suggestions that Atiku dropped him as his running mate.

“From day one, I told my delegates when they came that one thing you must know is that Atiku does not keep to his words.

“I can tell you authoritatively what happened. In 2019, Atiku, (Bukola) Saraki and (Uche) Secondus came to see me that I was going to nominate the attorney general and minister of petroleum.

“When we lost the election, the man who was supposed to bring the attorney general did not know when the legal team was constituted, and I laughed.

“I watched it on television, and I now called Saraki: you people have constituted a legal team, and you said I was going to bring the attorney general.

“I know from day one that Atiku would never keep to his word and I’ve never banked on that. I will not take his word to the bank.

“It was very clear that I made the right decision and you can’t see me now saying I will support him for president. How?”

The FCT minister also assessed the chances of his party, PDP, ahead of the 2027 elections.

He did not see the party making any waves.

“The PDP is not ready for the 2027 election. It is very obvious,” he said.

“For instance, I have an examination and I am going to class to read. Indeed, am I reading? Am I studying? You don’t need to deceive anybody that you are reading. You are only trying to read so that people will see that you have carried your bag to class.”

On the recent statement by the PDP Governors Forum ruling out coalition with any party for the 2027 polls, Wike said: “They are not sincere to themselves; they are not also sincere to the party.

“On Tuesday, to be precise, I watched Politics Today on Channels TV where the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, was talking.

“And after watching that interview, I called Seyi Makinde who is my friend and I told him that he did not tell the truth as regards some issues.

“Fundamentally, you in 2023. One of the reasons why PDP lost was impunity. People who believed they have all it takes refused to respect the constitution of the party as regards power sharing. Now they are also making the same mistake by the impunity of the Governors Forum.

“That is the situation of the PDP. So, they cannot say for sure that they are ready for 2027. Power struggle cannot help the party.

“I am minister of FCT and I am not just any minister; they must understand that. There is nothing any governor can do that I cannot do. It is very obvious that PDP is not ready for the 2027 election. You do not need to like me. What I am saying, is it correct? All these power struggles cannot help us (PDP).

“If PDP does not put their house in order, I’m not going to support them in the Abuja Area councils election. If PDP goes the way they are going, I will not support them.

“This crisis will consume this party until the right thing is done. I have never recommended anybody to these governors but that does not mean that I don’t play any role.

‘Why Tinubu will remain president till 2031’

Wike reiterated his support for President Tinubu for the next polls.

He said: “I said it in 2023 and I’m saying it again that until 2031, when the position should go to the North, there is nothing anybody will say to me now.

“It’s not anti-party, it’s harmonious living together. You can’t tell me that it’s your own prerogative to be producing president; let’s all live.

“Whether APC liked it or not, it was very turbulent for Tinubu to have scaled through that (2023) election.

“You could see that he could have failed the election woefully. The fuel crisis, the naira issue was terrible.

“No party in government would at that time bring such a policy when you know you are running an election, but everything was done and he survived it.

“That’s how you will know that there are people that, first of all, God is on their side. They also know this game and you must give it to them.” Nation