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Category: Politics

  • Okowa, Morka rally APC chieftains, members for Tinubu, Oborevwori

    Okowa, Morka rally APC chieftains, members for Tinubu, Oborevwori

    Former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress Barrister Felix Morka have urged chieftains and members of the party to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of the 2027 polls. 

    The two APC leaders made the appeal on Monday  during the Ika Federal Constituency Leaders/Stakeholders meeting at Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area to keep APC members abreast of the ongoing e-registration of the party. 

    The stakeholders’ meeting attracted party bigwigs from the constituency including Hon. Doris Uboh, Evangelist Moses Kamaya, chairmen of Ika North-East and Ika South LGAs, Samuel Ekene Kerry and Hilary Fada Ibude, respectively. 

    Others were Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Barrister Chiedu Ebie, Secretary to Delta State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Monday Odigwe, Hon. Jerry Ehiwarior, among others. 

    Morka, the Convener of the meeting, said the gathering marked more than a routine political meeting, noting that it was their first collective assembly since the historic moment of April 2025, when a political earthquake reshaped Delta State. 

    Read Also: Okowa, Otuaro meet, pray for Delta’s peace, unity and sustained devt

    He said on that defining day, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, courageously led the entire structure and machinery of the former ruling party in the state into the All Progressives Congress.

    The APC image maker said a clear deadline has been set: January 31, 2026 and failure to register means exclusion—not only from membership recognition but from participation in the upcoming congresses at ward, local government, state, and national levels. 

    “You cannot vote. You cannot be voted for. This process is simple, guided, and urgent. That is why our State Treasurer, who also serves as the State Coordinator of this programme, is here today to provide direction.

    “Let me be clear: new congresses will elect new party leaders at every level. Registration is the gateway. We must take this exercise seriously. As leaders, we must return to our villages and wards with a singular mission—mobilise, register, and strengthen the APC from the grassroots up.

    “This is not a time for petty divisions, unnecessary suspicion, or internal anxiety. The President expects unity. Shoulder-to-shoulder solidarity. A party determined to carry the Renewed Hope message to the farthest corners of our nation and to convince even the harshest critics that hope is not a slogan—it is a living reality.”

    Morka said President Tinubu had demonstrated uncommon courage, noting that from his first day in office, he confronted challenges others avoided. 

    He said the President dragged the elephant in the room into the open and dismantled long-standing obstacles that held the nation’s economy hostage. 

    He said those are bold, historic steps, and they demand APC faithful full support.

    “We must stand with Mr. President as he continues the difficult but necessary work of rebuilding Nigeria,” he stated.

     Okowa contended that looking at the calibre and number of leaders gathered at the event, there should be no fear—politically or otherwise.

    Okowa noted: “If we resolve, collectively and immediately, to work together, we can command political dominance across all 26 wards of the Ika Federal Constituency.

    “Ika South and Ika North East have always delivered strong electoral outcomes. With everyone now united in one party, we can deliver far more than ever before.

    “Let us remember this: Delta State is a model. Our Governor was the first to align openly and decisively with Mr. President. Because of that, the eyes of the nation are upon us. The results from Delta will speak loudly across Nigeria.

    “We must not waste our strength fighting one another. Internal battles weaken us. Victory comes from planning beyond the immediate, thinking strategically, and executing with discipline.

    “There is still much work to be done, and we are capable—if we agree to work as one. Let me clarify a critical point: the e-registration exercise is not being funded by council chairmen. It is a collective responsibility. Ward leaders, councils, and party faithful must all contribute. This is a party project, owned by all of us.”

  • Bashiru to Wike: you lack locus to dabble into APC affairs

    Bashiru to Wike: you lack locus to dabble into APC affairs

    The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Ajibola Bashiru has said that his comments on the status of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the party in Rivers State was in order.

    Clarifying the status of the Governor, who recently defected to APC, the Secretary said that all members of the party, including members of the National Working Committee (NWC) must accord any sitting Governor due respect and  Governors remain the leaders of the party in their States.

    But Bashiru’s comment did not go down well with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who warned the APC Secretary to stay clear of Rivers politics.

    Reacting to the development in a statement, APC National Secretary said the Minister’s reaction was uncalled for as he (Bashiru) was only carrying out his responsibility of protecting the interests of the Party, all its members and structures. 

    He wondered how a Minister, who is not a member of the party, could challenge his person and office.

    Read Also: Wike to APC national secretary: steer clear of Rivers politics

    According to Bashiru: “For the avoidance of doubt, our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our Party (APC) so he lacks the locus to dabble into the affairs our party.”

    He also warned the Minister cannot be in the Federal Executive Council of an APC Government and be causing confusion within any organ or structure of the party at any level, using the leverage of that same office. 

    “As National Secretary of the APC, I am imbued with the responsibility to protect the interests of the Party and all its members and structures. Hence, my comments regarding the affairs of the APC in Rivers State CANNOT be an undue interference in the affairs of Rivers State. As National Secretary, my activities can not be confined to my home state, Osun State.”

    Bashiru also dismissed as cheap blackmail the allegation by Wike that APC leaders were in the state scrambling for a N600 billion largesse.

    “I take exception to Wike reference to a certain N600 billion largesse in the State for which I and other APC leaders are scrambling. This is nothing but cheap blackmail which has become his stock-in-trade. My background, track record is that of unquestionable integrity, and I challenge him to prove his allegations, or we may meet in court.

     “As to his veiled threat against me, let me remind Wike that he is not God and may be overplaying his political card. My faith is in God and will not succumb to cheap threats such as the one from Wike. 

    “I am one of the young Nigerians that confronted military rule, fighting for democracy, when the likes of Wike were nowhere in sight.”

    Bashiru reminded the Minister that his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not automatically make him a member of the APC. 

    “Millions of non-APC Nigerians also support Mr. President and his own is no different. His attempt to destabilise our Party in Rivers State will not be tolerated, and he can not bring the spirit of PDP into the APC,” he said. 

  • Fubara stagnates development in Oyigbo LG, says Akawor

    Fubara stagnates development in Oyigbo LG, says Akawor

    Former Ambassador to South Korea and Coordinator, Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Rivers State, Desmond Akawor, has alleged the development of Oyigbo Local Government Area has been stalled under Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Akawor stated this on Monday, during a “thank you” visit to the local government area by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

    He said that the people of the area elected Governor Fubara with the belief that he would continue from where Wike stopped in developing the area.

    He complained that the local government had not moved an inch, since Wike left as Governor in 2023.

    According to him, the only tangible benefit Oyigbo has is a commissioner’s slot. 

    He said: “Permit me to speak frankly. If these things are not said now, they may never be said. 

    “We elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara with the expectation that Oyigbo would benefit meaningfully from development.

    “Your Excellency, development in Oyigbo has stalled. We have not moved an inch forward. The only tangible benefit Oyigbo has received is a commissioner’s slot, which was given to me. Beyond that, nothing substantial has come to our people.”

    Read Also: Rivers: No second chance for Fubara, says Wike

    Speaking on the N600 billion in the state treasury, the ambassador warned that Oyigbo must not be excluded in the utilisation of the funds.

    He demanded that If N40 billion was allocated across groups, Oyigbo must not be short-changed. 

    “We are not asking for favors; we are asking for fairness. Some people who do not contribute or support the process cannot continue to dominate the benefits. That cannot be allowed.

    “All Oyigbo stakeholders present here have spoken with one voice. The few aides with him already know our position,” he added.

    Akawor also thanked Wike for liberating Oyigbo from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying without your intervention, our communities would have remained under lockdown every Monday.

    “You restored normalcy and ensured that no Rivers person was profiled or harassed by IPOB. For that alone, we are deeply grateful.

    “Our people are not dissatisfied with what you have done for us. Far from it, we are grateful; we are thankful.

    “You entrusted me with mobilization responsibilities, and I acknowledge that confidence,” the ambassador said.

  • Ibrahim Obanikoro launches online APC membership drive

    Ibrahim Obanikoro launches online APC membership drive

    A former House of Representatives member, Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, has launched a massive online campaign urging Lagosians who have yet to register with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to do so.

    The initiative follows APC’s commencement of online membership registration nationwide on Monday. 

    According to the party, eligibility for registration requires possession of a National Identification Number (NIN) and reaching the age of 18.

    In a series of online messages and engagements, the former lawmaker described the registration exercise as a timely opportunity for residents, particularly young people, to participate more actively in the political process and contribute to the future direction of Lagos State and the country at large.

    He commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that its policies and reforms are placing Nigeria in a “strong and vantage position” for sustainable national development. 

    Read Also:Wike to APC national secretary: steer clear of Rivers politics

    Obanikoro also praised the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for what he described as purposeful and hardworking leadership that continues to drive growth and development in the state.

    “The APC-led government at the federal level is laying solid foundations for national progress, while Lagos State remains a model of effective governance under Governor Sanwo-Olu,” he said.

    Obanikoro encouraged all eligible Lagosians, especially the youth, to seize the opportunity presented by the online registration exercise and formally identify with the ruling party.

    “This is the time for young Lagosians to step forward, register, and be part of the process of building the future they desire,” he added.

    The APC’s online registration initiative is expected to expand the party’s membership base and enhance inclusion, particularly among tech-savvy young Nigerians across the country.

  • Don’t exclude anyone, Abdulrazaq advises as APC begins e-registration

    Don’t exclude anyone, Abdulrazaq advises as APC begins e-registration

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday flagged off the e-registration and revalidation of membership for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Governor, who was documented as the first registrant of the party in the state, said the exercise is designed to strengthen the party and ensure accurate membership tally for planning.

    He said everyone who wishes to register as members of the party should be accommodated, cautioning against excluding anyone from the exercise.

    “It is important that we know how many of us are members of this exclusive club (APC), which is arguably the biggest party in Africa.

    ” This is the only party to develop Nigeria and all the states in Nigeria, including all the local governments,” he told party stalwarts in Ilorin at the APC Stakeholders’ Engagement and Commencement of E-registration and Revalidation Exercise. 

    The programme was organised by Kwara APC led by the Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi.

    “We want to know how many we are, so that we can use that to enumerate, canvass, and protect ourselves properly, empower ourselves properly, not leaving anyone behind,” he said.

    “Now, for those who have been tasked with this exercise: don’t exclude anyone. We need all the members we can get. So, make sure you register, not just our members, you should go out and canvass for new members. 

    “This is an opportunity to canvass new members. You’ve seen all the work that’s been done from the federal level to the state and local government level. Use that to market the party, to make sure that we expand from where we used to be.”

    Read Also: AbdulRazaq inaugurates 83 upgraded health care centres

    The Governor said his administration has executed projects across sectors which have made Kwara State more developed and viable than it ever was. 

    “The facts speak for themselves across every sector. We have posted sterling performances that everyone can see in every part of the state,” he added.

    The Governor said everyone needs their National Identity Number (NIN) to be onboarded as members of the the party.

    The event was attended by top party chieftains, federal and state legislators, cabinet members, board chairmen and members, among others.

    Fagbemi, State APC Chairman, said the meeting was called to assure everyone in the APC that there is no hanky-panky, and to create equitable platform for all. 

    He said arrangements have been put in place to make sure no one is marginalised, adding that intending registrants will be required to meet some pre-conditions.

    The Chairman commended the Governor for his pragmatism and achievements across key sectors, including in the education, health, and road infrastructure.

    “The reasons for our gathering include but are not limited to the fact that we have to work together as one entity. We must unite and work together and align behind Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is our leader. We have seen the achievements of the Governor and that is strong enough to mobilise the people,” he said.

    Deputy Chief of Staff Princess Bukola Babalola said it takes the concerted efforts of the party leaders and stalwarts to make the exercise successful, asking all and sundry to support the exercise.

    “This registration exercise is not a one-man’s job. We must participate and see to the success of the registration exercise,” she said. 

    Chairman, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, said the registration exercise offers an opportunity for the state to strengthen membership of the party.

    He noted that whatever numbers the party gets at the end of the exercise will translate to votes come 2027, thanking the party leadership for creating an avenue to expand the party membership.

    “We are not going to be audio politicians but ones who will bring our votes,” he said.

    Mubarak Bello, State Coordinator for membership e-registration, who took the gathering through the guidelines, rules and mode of operation of the exercise, said electronic registration will take place across the three Senatorial Districts, urging all party faithful to participate in the process.

    Bello explained that a total of 579 registration agents will be onboarded from across 193 wards, saying this will be preceded by registration of senatorial administrators and local government supervisors. 

    “Only members (people) with valid National Identification Numbers (NIN) are eligible to be registered. Members with invalid NIN should as a matter of necessity relate with the agent so as to accelerate the means of revalidation of their number,” he said.

    Chairman, APC Elders’ Caucus, Hon. Razaq Lawal, called on members of the party to play their roles by mobilising and working for the success of the exercise.

    He called Governor AbdulRazaq a God-fearing man and reformer, who he said has continued to develop the state and lead by example, requesting all Kwarans to continue to support him to succeed.

  • Prof. Aladeitan, Etsu Mohammed, others float pro-democracy group

    Prof. Aladeitan, Etsu Mohammed, others float pro-democracy group

    Prof Lanre Aladeitan has been appointed as the pioneer National Coordinator for the Partners for Democratic Advancement, a socio-political group which promotes civic engagement and constructive support for the reforms of President Bola Tinubu while encouraging unity, accountability, and national development.

    In a statement on Monday, the group’s Director of Communications & Media, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said the decision to appoint Aladeitan as the National Coordinator for the Partners for Democratic Advancement was approved by the group’s highest decision-making organ over the weekend.

    Olajengbesi said the Partners for Democratic Advancement aims to foster collective progress and democratic stability through citizens’ confidence in leadership.

    He said, “The Partners for Democratic Advancement will mobilise professionals and non-partisan Nigerians to carry out objective reviews of government performance and provide constructive support to the present administration;

    “Encourage youth participation in governance through education, advocacy, and community outreach;

    “Provide fact-based public communication that counters misinformation;

    “Strengthen citizen–government engagement by creating platforms for national and community-level dialogue; and

    “Support national unity, peace building, and responsible democratic advocacy.”

    Aladeitan, the group’s pioneer national coordinator, is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Public and International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Abuja.

    He is a member of a number of professional bodies among which are the Nigerian Bar Association, The Association of MBA’s, The International Council of Small Businesses and The Debt Recovery Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria, the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators and the Institute of Energy Law.

    Other appointees include Femi Osabinu, Ibrahim Ibrahim, Igwe Umanta (Deputy National Coordinators), Etsu Muhammed (National Secretary), Owobu Godday (Deputy National Secretary), Prof John Onah (Director of Programmes), Komolafe Francis (Deputy Director, Programmes), Yinka Dada (Director, National Mobilisation), Ankeli Echo (Deputy Director, National Mobilisation), Kehinde Ali-Immanuel (Director, Finance), Balaraba Sadaat (Deputy Director, Finance), Farida Jauro (Director, Women Affairs), Chidinma Ogwo (Deputy Director, Women Affairs), Henry Oni Out (Director, Legal Affairs), and Umar Liman (Deputy Director, Legal Affairs).

  • Avoid divisive politics, align with Tinubu, APC forum advises Muftwang

    Avoid divisive politics, align with Tinubu, APC forum advises Muftwang

    The North Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has called on Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang to jettison divisive political tendencies and align his administration with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, following his recent defection to the ruling party.

    The Forum said Muftwang’s entry into the APC must signal a clear break from policies and influences that promote ethnic or religious division, urging him to adopt inclusive governance and work closely with the Federal Government to address Plateau State’s security and development challenges.

    The Forum, in a statement issued on Monday by its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, said the admonition had become imperative as Governor Caleb Muftwang’s defection provides a fresh opportunity for him to reposition his administration on the principles of unity, fairness and development, while deliberately distancing himself from individuals whose actions, it said, had previously fuelled division in the state.

    Zazzaga, a member of the APC campaign council during the 2023 general election, noted that the Forum, which comprises APC stakeholders from the six North Central states, is well placed to offer such advice, having actively championed Muftwang’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the APC. 

    He added that the Forum believed the governor’s leadership capacity would be better harnessed within the ruling party, stressing that his defection was in the overall interest of Plateau State and the North Central region.

    The Forum noted that during Muftwang’s time in the PDP, some officials around his administration were perceived to be advancing narrow interests that undermined cohesion in the state. 

    It said one of the motivations behind its campaign for his defection was to see him operate within a political environment that discourages such tendencies.

    It urged the governor to be deliberate in selecting his team and to work only with individuals genuinely committed to the development and stability of Plateau State.

    The APC group also called on Muftwang to govern as a leader for all citizens of the state, stressing that no community or group should feel excluded from governance or denied access to the dividends of democracy.

    On security, the Forum advised the governor to strengthen cooperation with President Tinubu and relevant federal security agencies, noting that closer alignment with the centre would improve coordination and response to the security challenges confronting Plateau State.

    It said working closely with the President would also enable the state to benefit more effectively from federal interventions and development programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Beyond policy direction, the Forum urged Muftwang to assert firm control over his administration and resist undue influence from political godfathers or individuals seeking to exert control over government decisions.

    Read Also: ALGON, APC raise alarm over alleged plot to stall governance at Osun LGAs 

    It said the governor’s defection to the APC should mark a turning point that allows him to govern with confidence and independence, free from external pressures that could undermine service delivery.

    The Forum disclosed that it faced intimidation and resistance while campaigning for Muftwang’s defection, particularly from individuals who feared that his move would affect their political ambitions. Despite this, it said it remained resolute because of its confidence in the governor’s leadership qualities.

    It expressed optimism that Muftwang’s presence in the APC would strengthen the party in Plateau State and contribute significantly to its electoral fortunes in the North Central ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The Forum recalled that it was among the first political groups to endorse President Tinubu for a second term, adding that its support for Muftwang’s defection was also informed by its commitment to consolidating APC support across the region.

    It said the governor’s popularity and political base in Plateau State would be crucial to advancing the party’s objectives and delivering stability, unity and development to the people.

  • ALGON, APC raise alarm over alleged plot to stall governance at Osun LGAs 

    ALGON, APC raise alarm over alleged plot to stall governance at Osun LGAs 

    The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State and the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday raised the alarm over alleged plots to stall governance at the local government areas of the state. 

    This is just as APC alleged that despite Supreme and Appeal Court verdicts which backed the reinstated executives, Osun State Government has concluded plan to procure order from Federal High Court and Magistrate to stall governance at the grassroots levels. 

    The Nation recalled that amid the control crisis between council executives of APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), several court verdicts and cases set room for confusion as to decided who is legally backed by the law to be in-charge of LGAs. 

    Meanwhile, executives of APC have been at councils since February 2025 and LGA workers who backed PDP excos later resumed duties on Monday. 

    Addressing newsmen at APC State Secretariat, ALGON chairman, Abiodun Idowu, blamed Osun State Government for defiance to apex court verdicts on the legitimate excos of the council.

    Idowu who is the Ifedayo Council chairman, said “Procurement of court order everywhere every time is an impediment to the development in Osun State m,it has caused us a lot of damages. We, local government chairmen cannot function under that process, they have gone to several High Court within and outside Osun State. 

    “We are over overhearing now that ,they are still going to Magistrate Court, I wonder after we have go to several courts all to Supreme Court, they are now reversing to Magistrate Court.This is just an attempt to to stop development in Osun State.”

    Read Also: APC, ALGON slam NULGE over demands

    Also, APC through its Director of Media, Chief Kola Olabisi urged the National Judicial Council(NJC) to treat petition filed against some judges over their conducts in granting orders. 

    “The entire judiciary of the country is further humbly notified that the judgments in Appeal No: CA/AK/15/2025 and the Supreme Court Suit No. SC/CV/773/2025 have jointly put to rest any purported claim of the Osun State Government over the Local Government Council allocations and subsistence of office of the APC Chairmen and Councillors. 

    “This is against the background of the latest self-deceit of the Osun State Government which has returned again to the Federal High Court and the Magistrate Court in Suit No. FHC/OS/CS/291/2025 and Charge No. MOS/601C/2025> respectively over the same subject matter already settled by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.”

    Efforts to get reaction from Osun State Government was abortive as the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi did not respond to calls and text sent to his phone as at the time of filing this report. 

  • 2027: Enough of eight years as opposition party, Oyo APC tells members

    2027: Enough of eight years as opposition party, Oyo APC tells members

    …as Adelabu, Folarin, Ajimobi’s widow hold unity rally in Ogbomosho

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have declared that the party’s eight years in opposition in the state are enough, vowing to reclaim the Agodi Government House in the 2027 general election.

    The stakeholders include the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; the wife of the late former governor of Oyo State, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi; and a presidential aide, Chief Sunday Dare. Others are Senator Yunus Akintunde, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, Prof. Adeolu Akande, former Oyo APC Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, Hon. Wunmi Oladeji, Senator Ayoade Adeseun, Hon. Segun Odebunmi, and former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, among others.

    The party leaders made the declaration at the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ Unity Rally held in Ogbomosho, where they urged members to close ranks and work collectively towards reclaiming power in the state.

    They reaffirmed their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and pledged to mobilise massive support for him and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

    The rally, which drew party leaders, elected officials, former office holders and grassroots mobilisers, highlighted renewed unity and organisational strength within the party in the zone.

    In his welcome address, Hon. Segun Odebunmi said Ogbomosho remained a stronghold of the APC, noting that intensive mobilisation efforts had already begun to consolidate the party’s dominance in the area.

    Read Also: Oyo APC guber aspirant, Saheed Oladele, escapes assassination attempt

    He assured party members that Ogbomosho would deliver overwhelming support for the APC, adding that stakeholders in the zone were firmly behind President Tinubu and his Renewed Hope agenda.

    In his remarks, the Oyo State APC Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abass, commended the resilience, loyalty and organisational capacity of party members in Ogbomosho, describing their commitment as crucial to the party’s plan to reclaim Oyo State.

    He urged members to remain united and focused as efforts continue to expand the party’s grassroots structures across the state.

    Former state chairman, Chief Akin Oke, charged party leaders in Ogbomosho to work as a team, stressing that prolonged opposition was no longer acceptable.

    “Eight years in opposition is enough. We must work together to return to Government House in this state,” he said.

    Also speaking, Senator Ayoade Adeseun expressed confidence that Ogbomosho would vote massively for the APC in the 2027 general election.

  • JUST IN: Former Abia governor Theodore Orji dumps PDP for APC

    JUST IN: Former Abia governor Theodore Orji dumps PDP for APC

    The third democratically elected governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Senator Orji, who represented Abia Central Senatorial District in the Senate from 2015 to 2023, had announced his retirement from active politics a few months ago but did not formally renounce his membership of the PDP at the time.

    The Nation recalls that his son, a former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji had earlier dumped the PDP amid the internal crisis rocking the party, once regarded as the largest political party in Africa. Political observers had widely interpreted the younger Orji’s move to the APC as a possible signal of his father’s eventual defection.

    Read Also: BREAKING: EFCC arraigns ex-governor Theodore Orji, son, two others for alleged N60.85bn fraud

    As speculated, the former Abia Central senator, who has largely maintained a low public profile since his retirement, has now formally left the PDP for the APC, a decision many analysts say had long been anticipated.

    Observers note that Senator Orji’s defection has further weakened the PDP in Abia State, given his influence and reputation as one of the party’s key rallying points and financiers in the state.

    Confirming the development, the former governor’s media aide, Mr. Ifeanyi Umere, told our correspondent that the defection was a personal decision. He added that there was no official reason provided for the move.

    While some stakeholders have welcomed the continued growth of the APC and what they describe as the strengthening of opposition politics in the state, others have expressed concern that the defection could deal a significant blow to the PDP’s structure and its prospects of regaining political dominance in Abia State.