Tag: All Progressives Congress

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My Son’s defection to APC a personal choice – Atiku

Former Vice President and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has clarified that the decision of his son, Abba Abubakar, to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is a purely personal choice and does not reflect his own political stance or convictions.

In a post on his X handle on Thursday, Atiku said that in a democratic society, such decisions are neither unusual nor alarming, even when politics intersects with family relationships. He stressed that every individual has the right to make choices based on personal conscience and political beliefs without coercion.

“As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians,” Atiku said, reaffirming his long-standing commitment to democratic principles, freedom of choice and political pluralism.

While distancing himself from his son’s defection, the former Vice President used the opportunity to criticise the performance of the APC-led government, describing its governance as poor and responsible for the severe economic and social hardships currently facing Nigerians. He noted that rising cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power continue to place enormous pressure on citizens across the country.

Atiku maintained that his major concern is not individual political movements but the overall direction of the country under the present administration. According to him, Nigerians deserve leadership that prioritises competence, inclusiveness, economic stability and social welfare.

“I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress,” he added, signalling his continued engagement in opposition politics and national discourse. (TVC)

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Ganduje returns from Dubai, set for political consultations in Kano

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and immediate past Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has returned to Nigeria after spending several weeks on vacation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Ganduje arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Saturday at about 4:30 p.m. aboard an Emirates Airline flight. He is expected to proceed to Abuja later in the evening.

Following his return, the former APC National Chairman is set to commence a series of consultations and stakeholders’ meetings aimed at addressing recent political developments in Kano State.

The engagements will involve party leaders and other critical stakeholders as part of efforts to review the evolving political landscape in the state.

According to a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Malam Muhammad Garba, the consultations are intended to promote inclusive dialogue and strengthen party cohesion within the APC, particularly in Kano.

Ganduje is also expected to participate in the ongoing APC nationwide electronic membership registration (e-registration) exercise.

The initiative, which was introduced during his tenure as National Chairman, is designed to modernise the party’s membership database, improve internal planning, and ensure credible and accessible membership records.

The statement noted that the former governor remains committed to strengthening party structures and supporting democratic consolidation within the APC through sustained engagement and consultation. (Tribune)

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Rivers deputy governor, SSG officially join APC

The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, have officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dr. Odu completed her registration as an APC member at Ward 8, Unit 11, Akabuka town, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of the state.

Her defection comes shortly after Governor Siminalayi Fubara formally joined the ruling party.
Similarly, Dr. Anabraba registered his membership on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Ward 1, Unit 1, Bob-Manuel’s Compound, Abonnema, in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.

Speaking after his registration, the SSG said the exercise formally affirmed his membership of the APC and would enable him to participate fully in the party’s activities. He noted that the move would also strengthen his support for Governor Fubara’s “Rivers First” agenda and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He expressed optimism that enhanced synergy between the Rivers State Government and the Federal Government would yield greater dividends for the people of the state.

Earlier, in a letter titled “Resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” Dr. Anabraba described his decision to leave the PDP as personal. He appreciated the opportunities and political leverage he gained while in the party and wished it well in its future endeavours.

Meanwhile, Dr. Odu has appealed to her supporters to rally behind President Tinubu and Governor Fubara, stressing the need to strengthen the APC’s grassroots presence ahead of future elections.

A few days ago, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has charged newly appointed Special Advisers to brace up, as their appointments are aimed at strengthening teamwork within government and ensuring that the machinery of governance continues to function smoothly and efficiently.

He urged the appointees to remain committed to his administration’s vision to deliver effective, people-centred governance in the state.

The governor gave the charge on Friday, January 2, 2025, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt, after administering the oath of office to the five advisers.

Those sworn in are Barr. Eloka Tasie-Amadi, Prof. Peter Medee, Emmanuel Frank Fubara, Victor Ekaro and Dr. Darlington Orji.

The governor said, “What we are doing this afternoon is to bring in some persons on board to ensure that the wheels of governance continue to roll smoothly in our state.”

He explained that the advisers were carefully selected because they were familiar with his administration’s philosophy and direction, having previously worked with him in various capacities.

“These are not new faces. They have been with us and have worked with us. They understand the philosophy of this administration, and it will not be difficult for them to align and ensure that our goals are achieved,” he stated.

The governor stressed that effective governance could only be achieved through collective effort, discipline and shared responsibility, warning the appointees against complacency.

“My charge is simple because you already know what we have come to do. This is not for pleasure; it is work,” he said, adding that expectations were high. (Guardian)

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PDP crisis deepens as pro-Wike NWC sets up caretaker committee in Lagos

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated a 19-member State Caretaker Committee to oversee the party’s affairs in Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the inauguration followed a fresh twist in the PDP’s ongoing national leadership crisis, after the Wike-backed National Working Committee, NWC, announced the dissolution of some state party executives, including those in Lagos.

The factional NWC is chaired by Alhaji Abdulraman Mohammed, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu serving as National Secretary.

At the ceremony held in Ikeja on Wednesday, the Deputy National Secretary of the factional NWC, Mr Adedeji Doherty, who represented the National Chairman, criticised what he termed blatant disregard for the PDP constitution by some party members.

Doherty, a former Lagos PDP Chairman and governorship candidate, accused certain party leaders among them Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Chief Olabode George of contributing to the protracted internal crisis.

He said the newly constituted caretaker committee had the backing of “recognised PDP leaders” and urged party members to close ranks to revive the party.

“We are issuing red cards to those hell-bent on destroying the PDP. The PDP is very important to us. Today marks a new chapter in the evolution of democracy and the party.

“We have heard a lot about court judgments and conflicting judgments on who the authentic chairman of the PDP is.

“As far as we are concerned, and as far as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is concerned, the Ibadan National Convention that produced the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP National Working Committee should not have taken place,” he said.

Doherty described the November PDP convention as illegitimate, alleging it was conducted in violation of democratic principles.

According to him, Mohammed remains the lawful National Chairman of the party.

He charged members of the Lagos caretaker committee to strictly comply with the PDP constitution and guidelines, adding that the conduct of party congresses would commence in January.

“I want the new caretaker committee to be so guided. We must return this party to the great days. We must not go against the tenets of the party and its constitution.

“PDP in Lagos State is going to witness a serious turnaround. I want to call on all those who left the PDP in Lagos for one reason or another to return and take managerial positions.

“We must join hands to rebuild our party again. Rebuilding the party at this period is more important to us than who becomes president in 2027,” he said.

On the 2027 general elections and the debate over a Southern presidency, Doherty said it would not be out of place for the PDP to support President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to complete a second term.

“It does not mean that we are going to abandon our PDP and declare for the APC. It also does not mean that when you see PDP governors declaring for the APC, they cannot return.

“I believe in Wike’s decision to support President Bola Tinubu in 2027. It is his prerogative,” he said.

He added that unseating Tinubu in 2027 would be extremely difficult.

“It is going to be a herculean task,” he said.

Doherty also lamented that the internal crisis had forced many prominent figures out of the party.

NAN reports that Mr Kayode Ogunbiyi was inaugurated as Chairman of the Lagos State Caretaker Committee, while Mr Jamiu Awofala was sworn in as Secretary.

Other members include Mrs Akinro Bolaji, Mr Ege Allen, Mr Audu Salami, Mr Gani Ogungbayi, Mr Ola Odunwa, Mr Samson Hundeyin, Mrs Adebimpe Mariam and Mr Solomon Yusuf. (DailyPost)

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Accord Party screens, clears Adeleke for Osun governorship primary

Hours after announcing his defection to the Accord Party, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has been cleared for the gubernatorial primary election.

The Guardian reports that delegates are converging at the Oasis Event Hall in Osogbo for the primary of the Accord Party, of which Adeleke is expected to participate.

On Tuesday night, Adeleke announced his movement to the Accord Party, days after resigning his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Meanwhile, in a statement by Ibe Thankgod, the Chairman, Screening Committee of Accord, on Wednesday, Adeleke was said to have been screened and cleared for its governorship primary that is holding today.

The chairman of the committee, who is also the National Organising Secretary of the party, Thankgod, said the governor has fulfilled all the requisite requirements for nomination and participation at the primary.

“He said the committee subsequently cleared Governor Adeleke as the sole aspirant for the party’s governorship ticket and concluded all required documentations with relevant bodies.

The committee chairman then presented a certificate of clearance to the governor, hailing him as a worthy gubernatorial aspirant of the party.

Responding, Governor Adeleke expressed appreciation to the screening committee and the entire party leadership, noting his preparedness to lead the party to victory in 2026.

“I am ready for the primary and I am ready for the general elections. We are winning by God’s grace”, Governor Adeleke affirmed.

Other members of the committee included Abdurahaman Muhammed, Abdulahi Sani Muhammed and Mrs Awogbade Rachael,” the statement obtained in Osogbo noted.

Similarly, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He announced his decision during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Fubara joins several governors who have also switched to the APC this year.

Recently, 17 members of the House of Assembly, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike and led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, announced their defection from the PDP to the APC, thereby altering the balance of power in the legislature.

Meanwhile, the Kabiru Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reacted to the defection of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a “self-inflicted injury” and a culmination of choices the governor “willingly embraced.”

In a statement issued Tuesday night by National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP said Fubara’s exit merely affirmed the legal maxim volenti non fit injuria “to one who is willing, no harm is done.” (Guardian)

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Fubara dumps PDP, defects to APC

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

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

The Rivers State Governor joined Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; and his Bayelsa counterpart, Duoye Siri, all of whom defected from the opposition PDP.

Speaking at the meeting, the governor said, “We can’t support President (Tinubu) if we don’t fully identify with him, not just the backyard support.

“So we have taken that decision here today that everyone who has followed and suffered with me, the decision this evening is that we are moving to the APC.”

His defection came after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Monday.

He reportedly arrived at the Presidential Villa about 5:01 p.m. and was received by the Presidential Protocol Liaison Officer before being escorted to the President’s office and departed at about 5:45 p.m.

Although the details of the meeting were not disclosed.

Recall that on March 18, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months over political tension in the oil-rich South South state.

The President said the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.

He then appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, who has now been appointed an ambassador, as the state’s administrator to oversee governance.

Six months later, Fubara resumed office and pledged to restore peace and reconciliation in the state.

The governor, in a statewide broadcast, described the period (emergency rule) as enormously challenging but necessary to restore order and safeguard democratic institutions.

He said that, as governor, he chose to abide by the declaration and to co-operate fully with President Tinubu and the National Assembly, prioritising peace above personal or political gain.

“I resisted pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency declaration, suspension of democratic structures, and other measures taken during the turbulent period,” he said.

The governor noted that after Tinubu brokered peace among contending parties, he, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State House of Assembly later resolved to bury the hatchet.

He said reconciliation was embraced in the best interest of Rivers’ people and for the progress of the state. (Punch)

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Why I dumped PDP for APC – Rivers Assembly Speaker

The Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule, on Friday defended his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The major reason for leaving the PDP is because of the division in the PDP,” Amaewhule, who represents Obio-Akpor I constituency, told the lawmakers on Friday.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for some programmes embarked upon by his administration that have benefited Nigerians, especially Rivers people.

According to the Speaker, his defection would enable him to partner with President Tinubu for the overall good of the Rivers people.

Amaewhule said, “Distinguished colleagues, let me happily announce to honourable members that your Speaker, Rt Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule, has decided and has indeed written to my Ward Chairman, Mr Osondo Orlu, of my decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party.

“APC is my new party. I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time. I am happy to be a member of the APC so that we can join forces with Mr President. He is doing so much for this country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria. He is tackling issues of security headlong. The President has shown love to Rivers State; he is helping Rivers people to be part of the governance of this country. I am so delighted to be part of the APC so we can support the President right inside the All Progressives Congress.”

Amaewhule defected along with 15 other members of the House on Friday.

Others who dumped the PDP were the Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol (Gokana), Major Jack (Akuku-Toru), Linda Stewart (Okrika), Franklin Nwabochi (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Azeru Opara (Port Harcourt 3), Smart Adoki (Port Harcourt 2), Enemi George (Asari-Toru 2), and Solomon Wami (Port Harcourt 1).

Also included were Igwe Aforji (Eleme), Tekena Wellington (Asari-Toru 1), Looloo Opuende (Akuku-Toru 2), Peter Abbey (Degema), Arnold Dennis (Ogu/Bolo), Chimezie Nwankwo (Etche), and Ofiks Kabang (Andoni).

Since returning to civil rule in 1999, the PDP has maintained a tight grip on the oil-rich Rivers state, until the protracted crisis rocked the state, which pitched the lawmakers against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The crisis led to the partial demolition of the State Assembly complex by forces allegedly loyal to Fubara as well as the attempted moves to impeach the governor by the lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Worried by the development, President Bola Tinubu waded in to douse the tensions and declared a state of emergency on March 18.

The emergency declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu and the lawmakers.At the expiration of the exercise, he reinstated Fubara, his deputy and the lawmakers on September 17. (Channels)

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Atiku officially joins ADC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the coalition party, the African Democratic Party (ADC), just 17 months to the 2027 general elections.

The 78-year-old politician disclosed this in a short post on his official X handle on Monday, attaching pictures of him holding the party’s membership card with the brief caption, “It’s official.”

Prior to him joining the coalition, the former VP had been a high-profile member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He, however, resigned from the opposition party on July 16, citing irreconcilable differences that have emerged within the former ruling party.

Atiku explained that he found it necessary to part ways due to the current trajectory the party has taken, which, according to him, diverges from the foundational principles it stood for.

Though Atiku, in July, led the adoption of the ADC as the coalition platform for opposition figures to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027, he and other prominent opposition figures, such as Peter Obi and Babachir Lawal, had delayed their formal registration with the party.

Atiku and some other coalition leaders were conspicuously absent at the unveiling of the ADC National Secretariat in the Wuse area of Abuja.

Their absence had fuelled speculation, suggesting the unseriousness of the coalition leaders to sack the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.

The opposition coalition officially adopted the ADC as its political platform on July 2, 2025, to contest the presidential and other elections in 2027.

The coalition said it was set to rescue the country from collapse and rebuild its democracy.

“Let it be known to all that this coalition of national political opposition groups goes beyond gaining political power. It is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.

“The mission is clear: Rescue Nigeria. Rebuild Nigeria. Return power to the people,” said ADC Chairman and ex-Senate President, David Mark. (Channels)

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Chukwuma Soludo wins Anambra Governorship Election – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced Anambra State Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, as winner of the November 8th Governorship election in the State.

Governor Soludo according to results from the 21 Local Government areas of the State won in all the Local Government areas of the State defeating 15 other candidates to secure his second term.

Governor Soludo polled a total of 422, 644 Votes to beat all challengers in a landslide victory with his closest challenger, Nicholas Ukachukwu, of the All Progressives Congress polling 99, 445 Votes.

Soludo a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and former Chief Economic Adviser to former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, is the third governor under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance to govern Anambra State after Peter Obi and Willie Obiano.

Anambra State the home of the former Biafran Leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, has stayed loyal to the party the late Biafran leader founded during his lifetime and has once again confirmed that by choosing Charles Chukwuma Soludo for a second term in office.

The final result was announced by the returning officer for the Election Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie, Vice Chacellor of the University of Benin and a Senior Advocate Of Nigeria.

Final Result

APC – 99,445

APGA – 422,664

LP – 10,576

PDP – 1,401

YPP – 37,753 (TVCNews)

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Anambra: Soludo mocks APC, party vows to end reign

The All Progressives Congress has declared that it will put an end to the 19-year reign of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Anambra State.

The National Chairman of the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, said the party would defeat APGA in the November 8, 2025, governorship election.

Yilwatda stated this on Friday at the All Saints Anglican Church Cathedral, Onitsha, during the APC governorship campaign rally for its candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu.

He described the APC as “a messenger of hope,” stating that he was in the state to deliver the message of hope.

“The APC will uproot APGA in the next remaining eight days and 196 hours to the November 8 governorship election. We in the APC cannot afford to allow APGA to continue governing an important state like Anambra as an adopted son when we have our own son in the person of Ukachukwu.”

Speaking at the rally, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the APC couldn’t afford to lose Anambra, adding that he would like the state to become the 25th APC-controlled state.

Ukachukwu expressed optimism that the APC would soon replace APGA’s “deceitful nonperformance” in the state with a high level of development in the nearest future.

“We will soon replace insecurity, multiple taxation, corruption, and nonperformance with adequate security, steady power supply, industrial development, and an agricultural chain,” Ukachukwu stated.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum assured the electorate in the state that their votes would count in the coming election.

The State Chairman of the APC, Chief Basil Ejidike, and the National Coordinator of Ikemba Front, Arinze Awogu, in their separate speeches, expressed optimism that the APC would take over the Anambra Government House at Agu-Awka this time around.

Meanwhile, the state governor and APGA candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, mocked the APC and its candidate for flagging off their campaign seven days before the election.

Soludo, while speaking at the APGA campaign rally held at Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state, said the APC campaign was proof that the party was not serious about the contest.

He urged the people to come out en masse on November 8 and vote out the APC and other opposition parties contesting the race.

Soludo said, “This is shocking and a mockery for a political party like the APC to flag off its campaign seven days before the voting process. Though it’s not a surprise, because its candidate is in the race to gain cheap popularity.

“Please, on the day of the election, step out en masse, collect their money, eat it, and vote them out.

“What I can tell you here today is that I have no competitor in this governorship race. What you have seen in the last three years of my administration in terms of transformation is evidence that we will win the election — and we can only win when we all go out and vote.” (Punch)