JUST IN: Segun Oni Defects to APC

Former Ekiti State Governor Olusegun Oni has officially dumped the Social Democratic Party for the ruling All Progressives Congress, completing his registration at his country home in Ifaki Ekiti. Confirming the development, the Coordinator of the APC e-registration exercise in Ekiti State and Commissioner for Youth Development, Adesola Adedayo, described Oni’s defection as a major gain for the party. He said the former governor’s decision to formally register with the APC had given a strong push to the ongoing registration exercise across the state. “We registered former Governor Segun Oni as a member of our great party. This significant political move will help the ongoing online registration of our members in Ekiti,” Adedayo said. He further praised Oni as “a resourceful and popular leader who will add tremendous value to the party and strengthen its winning streak,” noting that his move marked “a seismic shift in the political realignment ahead of the Ekiti governorship poll and the general elections.” Speaking on Oni’s grassroots influence, the commissioner said, “When it comes to grassroots politics, former Governor Oni is a respected individual. He is well-loved at the grassroots, and the intention of our registration is to attract more people into the APC. Having an individual like the former governor with us at this crucial time is a big plus.” Adedayo also cautioned party leaders against complacency, stressing that sustained mobilisation was key to strengthening the APC’s numerical strength at the grassroots. He added that Oni’s registration came shortly after Governor Biodun Oyebanji revalidated his membership, urging party faithful across the state “to embark on aggressive mobilisation drives to fortify the APC at the local level.” “This exercise is very important as it will strengthen our party’s structures and ensure proper documentation of members at the grassroots,” he said, adding that the e-registration process was crucial to the party’s electoral success and the governor’s re-election bid.

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Orji Kalu, Theodore Orji Strategise On Reclaiming Abia Power From Alex Otti

Former Abia governors Orji Kalu and Theodore Orji held a strategic meeting in Umuahia on Friday aimed at consolidating political influence and challenging Governor Alex Otti. The gathering brought together political figures who served the state between 2009 and 2023, with Kalu describing it as an effort to form a united front. The Abia North senator proposed expanding the group, known as “The Team,” to include all former political officeholders from that period. He stressed that the group had played a significant role in Abia’s development and should not be dismissed. “Leadership is a relay race. I finished and handed over to Senator T. A. Orji, and he finished and handed over to Okezie Ikpeazu,” Kalu said. “So one person cannot say we did nothing or that we are irrelevant. Our main purpose is that one person must go down in 2027.” Kalu urged members to remain committed, noting that the platform is bipartisan and open to allies across party lines. A highlight of the meeting was a motion by Chinedum Orji, former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, calling for the group to be expanded to include all former political officeholders, including national assembly members, who served between 2009 and 2023. The motion was unanimously approved. Earlier this week, Kalu also criticized Otti, saying the governor “overrates himself politically” and would require the support of key stakeholders to secure victory. The remarks followed Otti’s statement that he would support the Labour Party candidate in Abia North to challenge Kalu in the 2027 election.

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Governor Alex Otti’s Aides Survive Gunmen Attack In Owerri, No Casualties Reported

Labour Party Recognises Alex Otti As National Leader

The Labour Party (LP) has formally recognised Abia State Governor Alex Otti as its national leader while extending goodwill to its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, following his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The decision was announced in a communiqué issued by the party’s National Secretary, Darlington Nwokocha, after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) held on Wednesday to address issues concerning the party’s stability, growth, and strategic direction. According to the communiqué, the NWC unanimously endorsed Governor Otti as the national leader of the party. It also expressed best wishes to Peter Obi, stating that the Labour Party’s leadership wishes him success in his future political pursuits and in his new party. The NWC further recognised former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman, as the party’s national chairman. The party explained that this position is consistent with the Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025, which ruled that the tenure of Julius Abure as national chairman had expired. The Labour Party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accord Nenadi Usman and the National Secretary, Nwokocha, full recognition in line with the court ruling already acknowledged by the electoral body. It also reaffirmed that all congresses and the National Convention of the party would be conducted strictly in line with the provisions of its constitution, encouraging members at all levels to participate actively. The party thanked its members and Nigerians for their continued support, stressing that the Labour Party remains united and committed to promoting equal opportunity, social justice, and good governance. The Labour Party placed third in the 2023 presidential election, with Peter Obi as its flagbearer.

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Datti Baba-Ahmed Denies Declaring Presidential Ambition

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has denied claims that he recently announced plans to run for president. Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Baba-Ahmed said his comments were misunderstood and wrongly presented as a declaration of presidential ambition. “I never declared to contest the presidency two days ago.” He explained that his recent statements were only meant to confirm that he remains a member of the Labour Party, especially amid ongoing conversations about the party’s future and the roles of its prominent figures. While admitting that political possibilities may arise later, he stressed that no decision or announcement has been made. His clarification follows widespread reports suggesting he was positioning himself for a presidential bid ahead of the next general election, a development that triggered intense debate among supporters and political analysts. Providing further clarification, Baba-Ahmed said, “Two days ago, what I did was simply say that I remain in the Labour Party. I never declared to contest the presidency, even though there could be a possibility of that happening. I certainly did not declare for the presidency. I reiterated my membership of the Labour Party, and that is all.” He added that any formal declaration would only come after the Independent National Electoral Commission releases its timetable and the Labour Party opens its internal process. “The submission I made was that one will have to wait for the INEC timetable and for the party to make the call for people to indicate their interest. I did not declare.”

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Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed Says He Will Support Peter Obi in 2027 If He Returns to Labour Party

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, former Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate in 2023, has said he is ready to back Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election if the ex-Anambra governor returns to the LP. Speaking in an interview with Trust TV, Baba-Ahmed addressed Obi’s recent defection from the LP to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stressing that their personal relationship remains strong despite the political shift. “Peter Obi did not invite me to join him in ADC because everyone knows me. There are certain things you would rather not approach me with; people know me even while I was in Parliament,” he said. Baba-Ahmed added that his respect for Obi has not wavered. He recalled Obi attending a family wedding at his home, saying, “Our personal relationships are solid. Only on the 12th, he attended the wedding in my house, in person, where I have much, much, much respect for Peter Obi.” The former lawmaker said he would support Obi’s 2027 presidential ambitions if he fails to secure the ADC ticket and returns to the Labour Party. “If he doesn’t get the ADC ticket, come back, please. I will work for you and try to get him the ticket in Labour,” Baba-Ahmed said. He also promised to help reconcile Obi with any party members who feel aggrieved. “I will try and mend the ways between him and whoever are not in good terms with him,” he added.

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Rivers APC Rejects Impeachment Threat Against Governor Fubara

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned moves in the State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, describing the action as “untenable” and warning against efforts that could destabilize the state government. The statement follows reports that the Rivers State House of Assembly had formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. Speaker Martins Amaewhule reportedly labelled the governor a “mistake” and accused him of gross misconduct. In response, APC spokesperson Darlington Nwauju issued a statement emphasizing the party’s rejection of the impeachment move. “The leadership of the APC in Rivers State has noted the recent developments in the State House of Assembly. While we respect the legislature’s independence and constitutional responsibility for checks and balances, we categorically reject any attempt to remove our Governor and his deputy through impeachment,” the statement read. Nwauju argued that the impeachment threat is rooted in budget issues, noting that under the 2025 emergency rule, a budget totaling ₦1.485 trillion was transmitted to and approved by the National Assembly, covering a full year until August 2026. He added that the Governor is entitled under the constitution to a six-month spending window into a new fiscal year and may choose not to present a supplementary budget. The APC warned lawmakers, especially party members, to resist external pressures aimed at destabilizing the government. “Our party will take all necessary steps to protect the APC-led government in Rivers State from internal conflicts. We call on members of the State Assembly to immediately halt the impeachment process to safeguard the state’s progress and preserve the party’s reputation. Let Rivers State remain a democracy, not a politicocracy,” the statement concluded. The party reiterated its commitment to ensuring the stability of the Fubara administration and the continued development of Rivers State.

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Information Minister Suspends Aide Over Unauthorized 2027 Niger Governorship Publication

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has suspended his aide, Sa’idu Enagi, following the circulation of an unauthorised political article related to the 2027 Niger State governorship election. The Ministry confirmed that the write-up, titled ‘Malagi 2027’, was published without the minister’s approval and does not represent his views. The article reportedly speculated on political developments ahead of the 2027 governorship race. In a statement on Wednesday, Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to Malagi, urged the public to disregard the publication. “Please disregard the write-up as the Honourable Minister neither directed nor approved the publication,” Ibrahim said. He added that an immediate investigation had been launched and that the aide responsible had been suspended. The ministry also addressed speculations about Malagi’s relationship with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, noting that both maintain a cordial and cooperative relationship for the benefit of the state. “It is noteworthy that the Honourable Minister and his home state governor enjoy a positive, mutual relationship for the greater good of Niger State, and therefore, speculations about the 2027 elections will appear inimical to these noble objectives,” the statement said. Malagi, who was nominated and confirmed as minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023, previously contested the 2023 APC primary for Niger State governorship but lost to Umar Bago, who went on to win the election. The minister remains focused on his federal duties at the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

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Datti Baba-Ahmed Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition Under Labour Party

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, has officially declared his intention to run for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027, amid ongoing shifts in the opposition landscape. Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 election, made the announcement during a rally at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday. The declaration follows Obi’s recent exit from the Labour Party to join the African Democratic Congress, a move that has fueled debates over the party’s future and the direction of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the next general election. Speaking to party supporters, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that his presidential ambition is independent of Obi’s political moves, noting that his desire to contest predates the 2023 election. He said, “I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes. Before Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I had already aspired to run. The records are there for everyone to see.” Reflecting on his political journey, Baba-Ahmed recalled his 2018 attempt to secure the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential ticket, before later aligning with Obi in the Labour Party. “In October 2018, I contested in the PDP primaries in Port Harcourt and even approached Obi for his support. He was gracious. I saw a rare opportunity for national unity with Obi in 2023, and that is why I chose to support him,” he explained. Addressing potential concerns about religion and ethnicity, Baba-Ahmed affirmed that Nigeria’s constitution allows every qualified citizen to run for office. “Yes, I am a practising Muslim and a Hausa man, but I am also Nigerian. The constitution permits me to contest, and I am doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said. While making his intentions public, Baba-Ahmed stressed his commitment to following party and electoral guidelines. “Until INEC releases the election timetable and the Labour Party officially calls for aspirants, I will not take any further action. But Nigerians know the truth,” he added.

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