PDP Reacts To Senator Jarigbe’s Defection To APC

The Cross River State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has finally responded to the defection of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that his exit will not weaken the party but instead strengthen its unity and resolve. In a statement released on Thursday, the PDP described Jarigbe’s defection as a personal decision that holds no consequence for the stability or structure of the party in the state. It reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding a stronger, more united organisation at all levels. According to the statement, the senatorial mandate currently held by Jarigbe was the product of the collective efforts and sacrifices of PDP members and supporters in Cross River North. The party expressed disappointment that the senator chose to abandon the platform that enabled his political rise. “His decision is regrettable, but it will only serve to strengthen our internal cohesion and renew our dedication to the principles that have sustained the PDP as the most organised and people-oriented political movement in Cross River,” the statement read in part. Under the leadership of the Caretaker Committee chaired by Rt. Hon. Bassey Ewa, the PDP reiterated its focus on restoring unity, deepening grassroots mobilisation, and strengthening structures ahead of future elections. The party also emphasised that it remains steadfast in its mission to serve the people of Cross River through credible leadership and inclusive governance. Dr Maurice Ekong, the PDP’s Director of Media and Communications, urged members and supporters to remain calm and confident, assuring them that the party is “moving forward — stronger, more focused, and more determined than ever.”

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Hoodlums Burn ADC Ekiti Secretariat Ahead of State Executive Council Inauguration

Hoodlums Burn ADC Ekiti Secretariat Ahead of State Executive Council Inauguration

Hoodlums reportedly set ablaze the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat in Ekiti State, just ahead of the inauguration of the party’s State Executive Council. The fire destroyed several properties, including a 1,000-capacity canopy with chairs, a 150-capacity canopy, and parts of the building. Party members condemned the attack and urged security agencies to apprehend those responsible. ADC loyalists have gathered at the secretariat on Basiri Road, Ado Ekiti, awaiting national officers who are expected to officiate the inauguration of the new state executive members. Some members warned political thugs against actions that could spark unrest in the state, questioning why such violence occurred even before the start of political campaigns.

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Benue Lawmaker Ojema Ojotu Defects To APC, Giving Ruling Party Complete Control Of State’s Federal Seats

Benue Lawmaker Ojema Ojotu Defects To APC from PDP

Ojema Ojotu, the House of Representatives member for Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in Benue State, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu made the announcement during Tuesday’s plenary session, reading Ojotu’s letter to the House of Representatives. With Ojotu’s defection, the APC now controls all 11 federal constituencies in Benue State, marking complete dominance of the state’s representation in the House. In his letter, Ojotu cited the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP as the reason for his departure. “After consulting my constituents, family, and political associates, I have decided to leave the PDP for the APC,” he stated. The move immediately sparked controversy. Deputy Minority Leader Aliyu Madaki of the New Nigeria Peoples Party invoked Section 68(1)(g) of the Constitution, urging that Ojotu’s seat be declared vacant for leaving the party that sponsored his election. House Majority Leader Ibrahim Halims countered the argument, maintaining that a member may leave a party if it is embroiled in unresolved crises that threaten their political future. Deputy Speaker Kalu welcomed Ojotu to the APC and assured him of the party’s full support. Ojotu’s defection is part of a broader wave of lawmakers moving to the APC in 2025, a trend that opposition parties have attributed to pressure from the ruling government — claims President Bola Tinubu has denied, urging other parties to address their internal issues.

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Alex Otti Refutes Defection Rumours, Affirms Loyalty To Labour Party

Governor Alex Otti Denies Defecting To APC, Says Rumour Is Cheap Propaganda

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that he has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Addressing the rumours, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described the claim as baseless propaganda being spread by political opponents unsettled by Otti’s growing popularity and achievements in governance. Kanu emphasised that Governor Otti remains a loyal and active member of the Labour Party, the platform through which he was overwhelmingly elected by the people of Abia. He said the governor’s attention remains fixed on delivering effective leadership, not political distractions. “Governor Alex Otti is a proud member of the Labour Party, focused on rebuilding Abia, restoring accountability, and ensuring that citizens enjoy the real dividends of democracy,” Kanu stated. He added that just last week, during the October edition of Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians, the governor made it clear that he had no interest in political defections or alliances, stressing that his commitment lies in transforming Abia State and serving its people with integrity. According to Kanu, Otti’s administration continues to pursue a clear development agenda built on transparency, fiscal discipline, infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, and economic growth — principles that align perfectly with the Labour Party’s core values. He urged residents to disregard the false reports, describing them as a deliberate attempt by detractors to distract the government and undermine the visible progress being achieved across the state.

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Peter Obi Dismisses Fears Of Atiku Hijacking ADC Ticket Ahead Of 2027 Election

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has broken his silence on mounting fears that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could hijack the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH during his visit to LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja, Obi said he had no fear of Atiku’s political influence, describing him instead as “a dear elder brother and respected leader.” “I have great respect for Atiku. He’s a dear elder brother and a leader. I’m a member of the Labour Party and part of the coalition forming the ADC for 2027. Other parties and individuals will also join because this is about rescuing Nigeria, not fighting one another,” Obi said. His response comes amid reports that several of Atiku’s loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been defecting to the ADC coalition — a move that sparked tension among Obi’s supporters and fueled talk of a possible takeover. The unease grew after Atiku, in a BBC Hausa interview, stated that he would not step aside for any aspirant unless defeated at the ADC primaries. The comment reignited speculation about his 2027 presidential ambitions. Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, also stirred the debate, warning on X that “it would be difficult for any aspirant to defeat Atiku if he makes it to any party primaries.” Obi, however, maintained that he was not bothered by Atiku’s moves, stressing that the coalition was built on unity and national interest. “I’m contesting, and I’m sure I will be. What matters is competence and capacity. I believe I’m qualified and have the ability to deliver. In four years, I can change Nigeria’s direction for the better,” he declared. He also urged Nigerians to move beyond political power struggles and focus on the real issues affecting citizens. “We’ve talked too much about politics in this country. I’ve visited villages in Anambra and seen poverty everywhere. Instead of debating party primaries and chairmen, we should be talking about what truly benefits the people,” Obi added. Both Obi and Atiku were defeated by President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, one of the most fiercely contested polls in Nigeria’s democratic history.

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Yahaya Bello Says Tinubu Need Not Visit Kogi For 2027 Elections, Declares No Opposition

Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello has said President Bola Tinubu does not need to campaign in the state for the 2027 elections, insisting there is no opposition. Speaking at a rally endorsing Tinubu and Governor Usman Ododo for second terms, Bello expressed confidence in his reelection and praised the president’s contributions to Kogi. “Those making noise elsewhere have not seen the lion. When the lion roars, they will run with their tails,” Bello said, adding that Tinubu is a leader people naturally rally behind. He also commended Governor Ododo’s performance and thanked the president for infrastructure development, appointments, efforts against insecurity, and financial support to the state. Bello prayed for both Tinubu and Ododo, wishing them long life, good health, and prosperity, and said the APC would lead Kogi to “the promised land.”

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Wike Mocks Peter Obi, Says He’ll Keep Contesting For President On Social Media

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has mocked former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying he will remain a “social media presidential candidate” rather than one taken seriously in Nigeria. Wike made the remark on Thursday while commissioning newly constructed roads in the Mabushi District of Abuja, responding to Obi’s recent comments about the poor state of public schools in the FCT. Obi had visited LEA Primary School in Kapwa on Wednesday, where he described the condition of the school as a “national disgrace” and a reflection of the government’s neglect of education. He lamented the lack of chairs, toilets, and other basic facilities, blaming the situation on leadership failure. In a sharp response, Wike accused Obi of politicising the issue and using emotional gestures to gain sympathy on social media. He said his administration was already addressing infrastructure challenges in the FCT, insisting that Obi had no moral ground to criticise anyone’s performance. “I hear one of the social media presidential candidates went to a local school and claimed the government has abandoned public education. His name is Mr Peter Obi. It’s not everything you must play politics with,” Wike said. The minister also took aim at Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, alleging that he ignored key infrastructure projects during his eight-year tenure. “Peter Obi, you were governor for eight years. If you had completed all the necessary work in Anambra, nobody would still be talking about development there today. And why did you fall out with your successor?” Wike questioned. He further compared Obi’s tenure to his own record in Abuja, saying: “We’ve only been in office for two years. You served eight years. Compare what we’ve done in two years in the FCT to what you did in Anambra in eight years. Can you really say you love this country or Ndi Anambra? Certainly not.” Wike concluded with a taunt: “You will continue to contest for President on social media, but never as President of Nigeria. You couldn’t manage your own party, yet you want to manage a country of over 200 million people. It’s not possible for people like you.”  

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NNPP Too Small For Me, Kwankwaso Never Reached Out While I Was In Prison,’ Says Faruk Lawan

Former Nigerian lawmaker Faruk Lawan has revealed that the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, never reached out to him during his time in prison. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Lawan expressed disappointment that even a year after regaining his freedom, Kwankwaso still had not contacted him. Lawan, who was recently pardoned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 9, 2025, following his conviction for corruption offences, stated that although mutual respect remains between him and Kwankwaso, their political paths have now diverged. “Now a whole year has passed, and he hasn’t called to wish me well or to say ‘May God bring you out of this place’ or even to pray for me,” Lawan lamented, describing it as a clear indication of a lack of concern from his former political ally. He clarified that while there is still mutual respect, he no longer aligns politically with the Kwankwasiyya movement. “Between me and Kwankwaso, there is still respect and relationship, but politically, to be sincere, I’m no longer aligning with him and the NNPP,” he said. Explaining his decision to move away from the NNPP, Lawan said he now seeks to operate on a broader, national scale rather than remain within what he described as a party “too small” for his political ambitions. “Even before now, the party I belong to is a national party. I’m not a local politician, and I believe my political reach should be expansive. As it stands now, the NNPP feels too small for me,” he stated. Reflecting on his time in prison, Lawan said the experience gave him clarity about who his true friends were. “Whenever God places you in a trial, He illuminates for you who your allies are and who are not. If you are in such a place, you have a long time to reflect on your relationships,” he said. In contrast, Lawan praised some political figures who stood by him throughout his ordeal. He recalled how former APC National Chairman Umar Ganduje maintained regular contact, often speaking with him for hours and checking on his welfare. “There is not a week that will pass by that he (Ganduje) will not call me for us to talk for an hour, asking me how the situation is, including my lawyer arrangements,” he recounted. He also noted that some members of the National Assembly and a 10-member committee sent by the Speaker of the House of Representatives visited him during his incarceration, offering support that contributed to his eventual release. Describing his presidential pardon as a moment of joy and renewal, Lawan said, “If one faces a trial and God presents a chance for pardon, then one must rejoice. Honestly, my family, my supporters, wherever they are, we all know that the day this happened was a day of joy for all of us.” He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for granting him the pardon, calling it an act of justice and compassion. “It was also a day we gave thanks to God, for He delivered us, and to thank the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for doing what was right and deserving of commendation,” he said. Reflecting on his faith and optimism, Lawan concluded that his time in prison strengthened his spirit and outlook on life. “This made it so that even before leaving prison, my mind was at ease, and I was convinced that wherever I would go, I would find people to interact with. If they could survive there, I saw no reason why I couldn’t survive outside,” he said.

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