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Category: Politics

APC stalwart hails Mutfwang’s defection, says Plateau now in political mainstream

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Yakubu Dati, has welcomed the decision of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to officially defect to the party during its 14th National Caucus meeting in Abuja.

Dati said the announcement by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, confirming Governor Mutfwang’s movement into the party ended months of speculation over his political future.

According to him, the governor’s decision signalled Plateau State’s resolve to move away from what he described as politics of sentiment and align fully with the mainstream of Nigeria’s politics.

He described the defection as a form of homecoming, noting that several states had already discovered that alignment with the centre offers renewed hope and tangible benefits.

“And this action by Governor Mutfwang, while clearly aligning Plateau with the ruling party at the federal level, will unlock greater access to resources, accelerate development projects and enhance national policy influence,” Dati said.

He added that the realignment would help reduce partisan friction, ensure smoother governance and enable faster implementation of infrastructure and security initiatives across the state.

Dati cited the examples of former Ebonyi State governor, Dave Umahi; former Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade; and former Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle, who, he said, embraced similar political realignments for the benefit of their states, noting that Delta and Akwa Ibom states were already enjoying such dividends.

“Alignment with the centre, especially under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, provides political stability and comfort to deepen development through leadership capacity and strategic negotiation,” he said.

He further observed that defections often come with lawmakers, commissioners and local government officials, a development he said strengthens the ruling party and consolidates its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Dati, Governor Mutfwang’s defection is necessary for the sustained development of Plateau State.

Looking at the broader political implications, Dati said that with Mutfwang’s defection, the entire North Central region is now governed by the APC, a development he described as a sign of cohesion that would enable greater consolidation across the zone.

Dati said, “As an indigene of Plateau State I cannot but say Eureka to this development with the epiphany that my state has realigned not just with the centre but with its siblings in the North Central zone giving our dear state a stronger identification and sense of belonging.

“The North-Central occupies a strategic space in Nigeria’s power map. Frequently courted during elections, it, however, struggles to convert relevance into sustained Federal attention.

“In 1983 under the 2nd Republic, Plateau was the only state that chose to be different in party affiliation with its closest neighbours as Benue, Bauchi, Gongola and Kaduna all belonged to the ruling party at the centre.

“But the consequences were glaring as there was no synergy between the state and the center to complement the drive of our father, Chief Solomon Lar who would have achieved much more with the support of the party at the centre.

“Before Thursday when Mutfwang defected, Plateau reminiscent of the old order, was the only odd one out with Benue, Kwara; Niger; Nasarawa and Kogi all belonging to the ruling party.”

Dati further said, “There are definitely going to be challenges occasioned by this action as some would feel it would dampen their influence on the party. But such considerations are selfish and not forward looking.

“Gov Mutfwang will therefore face the challenge of uniting other members with those who are moving to the APC with him as there are entrenched party factions and rival ambitions.

“Plateau’s APC, long in opposition, carries its own internal tensions hence success for the party will require discipline, inclusion, and strategic clarity to gain from federal alignment and stabilise governance.

“The good thing is that with the alignment, the cooperation of notable party leaders in the state like Hon Idris Ahmed Wase ,the Deputy Speaker of the 9th Assembly will be secured to give APC the needed push to navigate the political landmines.

“In a region long sensitive to political neglect, Gov Mutfwang has done well and taken the right decision to move Plateau State forward.”

December 20, 2025
Dafinone mourns ‘political oracle’ Nwaoboshi’, says death huge loss to Delta, Nigeria

Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has expressed deep shock over the sudden death of former Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, describing his passing as a painful blow to Delta State and the Nigerian political community.

In a statement, Dafinone said he received the news of Nwaoboshi’s demise “with deep shock,” noting the late lawmaker was “a distinguished statesman and one of Nigeria’s influential political figures.”

According to him, the death of the former senator is “a painful loss not only to his immediate family but also to Delta State and the Nigerian political community at large.”

Extending condolences on behalf of his family and the people of Delta Central, Dafinone said, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to Senator Peter Nwaoboshi’s family, the people of Delta North, Niger Delta, and his political associates.” He described the late senator as a man widely admired for “his depth of political wisdom and strategic insight,” which, he noted, earned him the sobriquet “the Political Oracle” in Delta politics.

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The Delta Central senator recalled Nwaoboshi’s long years of service, noting that he “served Nigeria with dedication as a two-time Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District and as a two-term Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State.”

He added that until his death, Nwaoboshi “remained a committed chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where his experience and counsel continued to enrich the progressive cause in the state.”

Dafinone also commiserated with “the entire Delta State progressive family on this irreparable loss,” saying that while the state mourns, it can “take solace in the enduring legacy of service, leadership, and political mentorship he leaves behind.” He prayed that God grants the late senator eternal rest and gives his family, loved ones, and the people of Delta State “the strength to bear this profound loss.”

The statement reads: “I received with deep shock the news of the sudden demise of former Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, a distinguished statesman and one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures. His passing is a painful loss not only to his immediate family but also to Delta State and the Nigerian political community at large.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Senator Peter Nwaoboshi’s family, the people Delta North, Niger Delta, and his political associates. The late Senator Nwaoboshi was widely respected for his depth of political wisdom and strategic insight, which earned him the well-known sobriquet “the Political Oracle” in Delta politics.

“Senator Nwaoboshi served Nigeria with dedication as a two-time Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District and as a two-term Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State. Until his death, he remained a committed chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where his experience and counsel continued to enrich the progressive cause in the state.

“I also commiserate with the entire Delta State progressive family on this irreparable loss. As we mourn his passing, we take solace in the enduring legacy of service, leadership, and political mentorship he leaves behind. I pray that God Almighty grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family, loved ones, and the people of Delta State the strength to bear this profound loss.”

December 20, 2025
2027: APC stakeholders take Renewed Hope message to Oyo federal constituency

Stakeholders in All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State said it would kickstart a grassroots tour next week Monday with Oyo Federal Constituency being the first point of call.

The stakeholders also said similar exercise would hold in the remaining 13 federal constituencies as already planned.

A statement jointly signed by Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, and the State Secretary of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Mr. Afeez Bolaji Repete, said the tour is part of effort of the party towards solidifying the reining peace and unity among members of the party across the state.

The statement said the Federal Constituency tour, which is being organized by the Alhaji Olayide Abas-led State Executive Committee of APC and in conjunction with the Presidential Renewed Hope Ambassadors, is aimed at further cementing unity and peace among all party faithfu and also accessing the situation of the Party at the grassroots level.

The party hinted that the statewide tour was in line with the decision of the stakeholders to visit all the nooks and crannies of the state to preach total reconciliation and to assure all members of sense of belonging.

“This Monday meeting slated for the Oba Adeyemi Sports Arcade in Ode-Aremo, Oyo will be the second in the series of stakeholders open interactive session aimed at fostering unity and togetherness among all party faithful as we have all resolved to leave no stone unturned in order to achieve our collective goals as a progressive family.

“We appreciate the fact that APC is the party to beat at all elections in 2027 and we shall leave nothing to chances.

“All leaders and gladiators will storm Oyo Federal Constituency on Monday to preach the gospel of Renewed Hope Agenda and also re-establish the need to begin the process of reclaiming power in the state in 2027.

“We shall mobilize all APC youths, women, students, artisans, elites among others in Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West local government councils for the purpose of the meeting which will attract the presence of party leaders, members and supporters from across the state and beyond.

“Most importantly, the meeting will afford us the opportunity to showcase the achievements of the Tinubu administration as the President is poised to reposition the country and make every citizen proud at the end of his two terms in 2031.

“Undoubtedly, APC is waxing stronger in the state and now is the time to consolidate on the recent success as we are open to welcoming more members into our midst.”

December 19, 2025
Electoral Act: Reps approve 10-year jail term, N75m fine for forgery of election documents

The House of Representatives on Thursday approved a 10-year jail term or a fine of N75 million for anyone found guilty of forging nomination papers or result forms, or willfully defacing or destroying election-related documents.

The decision followed the House’s consideration of amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act, during which lawmakers approved an upward review of the fine from N50 million.

The House also approved a fine of N5 million for the improper use of a voter’s card.

However, the lawmakers rejected a recommendation seeking to impose a two-year jail term on individuals who financially or materially induce delegates to influence the outcome of party primaries, congresses or conventions. Members argued that such a provision could be abused by political opponents to witch-hunt candidates.

The House also deleted an existing provision that mandates the cancellation of votes and the conduct of a fresh election in polling units where over-voting is established.

Instead, it approved a new provision stipulating that where over-voting occurs, the excess votes should be deducted from the scores of all candidates, while the presiding officer at the affected polling unit should be prosecuted.

Addressing newsmen after the plenary, Chairman of the House Committee non Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun said the Electoral Bill 2025 was originally introduced as a Bill for an Act to repeal the Electoral Act 2022 and enact a new Electoral Act for Nigeria.

He said, “This approach was informed by our collective desire to build on the gains of recent elections and to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities within our electoral system. The Committee, guided by stakeholder engagements, public hearings, and expert submissions, initially proposed far-reaching reforms intended to modernize and strengthen our electoral framework.

“Among the reforms canvassed were provisions on early voting, inmate voting, the replacement of the Permanent Voters’ Card with more technology-driven voter accreditation mechanisms, adjustments to electoral timelines, and other innovations that, if adopted, would have significantly altered the structure, philosophy, and core provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

“However, as the legislative process progressed, particularly during the sittings of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, it became evident that many of these far-reaching proposals did not command the support of the majority of members across the two Chambers, nor did they enjoy sufficient consensus among key stakeholders.

“In legislative practice, a repeal of an existing law and enactment of a new law is appropriate where the proposed changes fundamentally transform the identity of the principal Act.

“In this instance, because several of the proposed provisions such as Early Voting, Inmate Voting, Removal of the Permanent Voters Card (PVC), Election Timelines amongst others, that would have occasioned such a fundamental transformation were not approved at the committee stage, the House, sitting as a Committee of the Whole during the consideration of the report, wisely resolved that it would be more appropriate to proceed by way of amendment rather than outright repeal of the Electoral Act 2022.

“This decision is not a setback to the electoral reform. Rather, it reflects the maturity of our democracy and the responsibility of Parliament to legislate in a manner that is inclusive, balanced, and anchored on broad agreement.

“Courts, including Nigerian courts following common law principles, consistently hold that what matters is the effect of the legislation, not its label.

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“You will notice that despite the rigorous work done by the Electoral Committee, there were also very meaningful amendments introduced by Members of the House during the consideration of the report in the Committee of the Whole, indicating a robust debate and reflection of the immense importance attached to the Electoral Bill 2025 by the House of Representatives.

“The Electoral Act 2022 remains one of the most progressive electoral laws in our history, and the amendments proposed under the Electoral Bill 2025 are designed to consolidate its strengths, address observed gaps, and improve implementation, without undermining the stability of the existing legal framework.

“I want to assure Nigerians that the House Committee on Electoral Matters has conducted this process with utmost transparency and diligence. We engaged widely with the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, civil society organizations, political parties, professional bodies, development partners, and citizens across the country. The outcome before the House today is a product of those engagements and reflects the realities of consensus-building in a democratic legislature.

“While some innovative proposals could not be accommodated at this stage, they remain part of our national discourse on electoral reform. As our democracy evolves and wider consensus is achieved, such ideas can be revisited in the future through further legislative intervention.

“As we have concluded consideration of this report, I reaffirm the commitment of the House of Representatives, and indeed the National Assembly, to credible elections, democratic stability, and the continuous improvement of our electoral laws. Our goal remains clear: to ensure that every election in Nigeria is transparent, inclusive, secure, and truly reflective of the will of the Nigerian people.

December 18, 2025
Osun APC begins reconciliation drive after Oyebamiji’s emergence as guber candidate

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced a reconciliation process aimed at preventing internal wrangling following the emergence of former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2026 election.

In a statement, the APC chairman in the state, Tajudeen Lawal, said arrangements have been concluded to reconcile party members who may be disenchanted by the outcome of the exercise.

Lawal explained that an unforeseen official working visit to Abuja had delayed the commencement of the reconciliation process.

“Further reconciliation meetings with anyone who may be aggrieved over the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji as the governorship candidate of the party will be handled by the State Working Committee (SWC),” he said.

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He stressed that the reconciliation effort would be carried out by the state leadership of the party rather than by any individual member.

The chairman also commended party delegates for their peaceful conduct during the successful consensus governorship primary election held in Osogbo last Saturday under the chairmanship of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.

The release stated, “the strength of the party has been the continuous unity of its members which has recorded so many successes for it despite the fact that we are in the opposition in the state”.

Lawal charged the members of the party not to relent in their efforts within the constitutional purview to ensure that “we chase out the state Governor Ademola Adeleke out of the Bola Ige House through our votes on the 8th of August, 2026.”

December 18, 2025
PDP faction dissolves 14 state executives as Turaki group attacks APC govt

The Nyelsom Wike/Samuel Anyanwu led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved the State Working Committee of the party in 14 states of the federation.

The states are Borno, Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobi, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Delta, Taraba, Kano, and Lagos.

In a communique at the end of its National Working Caretaker Committee, the faction also announced January 9, as the date for the conduct of state congresses of the faction, adding that a date for the national convention will be announced later.

The faction dismissed claims by the Tanimu Turaki led faction of its recognition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying the claim was false.

While saying that the party remains strong and indivisible, the communique said there is only one genuine and legitimate PDP, headed by Honorable Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The faction announced Professor Adenike Ogunse as Women Leader, Engineer Deji Dohaty as Deputy National Secretary, Senator Olaka Ogunwu as Treasurer, Jungu Haruna Mohammed as Publicity Secretary and Amb. Ibrahim Bala-Aboki as the youth leader.

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Meanwhile, the Tanimu Turaki led faction accused the government of normalising absurdity in the country.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said, “It is common knowledge that since the beginning of this APC-led administration, things that were previously considered absurd have become normal and are unabating.

“A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, drew public attention to the disparity between the version of the Tax Act enacted by the parliament and the gazetted copy.

“This disparity must be comprehensively investigated and not treated with the customary levity that this administration has shown toward very serious issues of governance. Nigerians are interested in knowing how the insertions and substitutions got into the gazetted copy.

“The leadership of the House of Representatives must not attempt to sweep it under the carpet, as it has done with the now popular rumour that the country is operating two budgets within a fiscal year.

“Consequently, we demand that the commencement date of the tax Act be shifted from January 1, 2026, for at least six months to allow sufficient time for the investigation of this anomaly, publication and circulation of the enacted version, and more importantly, the mounting of sufficient enlightenment campaigns on the new Act.”

December 18, 2025
Osun 2026: APC candidate Oyebamiji pledges total Overhaul of health sector

…as wife sworn in as president of women doctors

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has declared his readiness to raise the standard of healthcare in Osun State through a total overhaul of the health sector if elected governor in 2026.

Oyebamiji spoke with journalists on Thursday after his wife, Dr Sekinah Bola-Oyebamiji, was elected President of the Osun State chapter of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN).

He lamented the moribund state of health facilities across the state, describing the situation as a major setback to development.

He assured that his administration would be committed to revamping critical sectors for public benefit, including health, education, infrastructure, commerce and agriculture.

According to him, Osun State has remained stagnant due to prolonged neglect of key sectors, particularly the health sector, which he said requires urgent intervention.

“It is on record that the health sector has become moribund in the state. None of the categories of the health system—primary, secondary or tertiary—is fully functional. Little or no effort has been made by the current administration to revive our health system,” Oyebamiji said.

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He added that the state suffers from a shortage of qualified doctors, nurses and other medical professionals, noting that Osun currently has about 799 primary healthcare centres, 57 secondary health facilities, including general and specialist hospitals, and three tertiary institutions that require urgent attention.

“These are some of the areas I will focus on to ensure quality and functional healthcare service delivery across all levels. When elected governor, I will declare a total overhaul of the health sector. We will prioritise the welfare and well-being of our people, knowing that health is wealth,” he said.

Oyebamiji also congratulated his wife on her induction as the new MWAN president, describing her as a seasoned professional, a beacon of medical excellence, a strong pillar of the family and an inspiration to many.

Earlier, in her acceptance speech, Dr Sekinah Bola-Oyebamiji said her tenure would be driven by inclusiveness, effective health advocacy and the delivery of physical projects aimed at improving the well-being of women and children across the state.

December 18, 2025
Court stops APC, INEC from enforcing resolution against Cross River chairman

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has restrained the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other defendants from giving effect to a resolution allegedly aimed at removing or sidelining the Cross River State Chairman of the party, Hon. Alphonsus Ogar Eba.

Justice J. E. Obanor issued the interim orders on December 18, 2025 while sitting at Court 26, Jabi, Abuja, in a suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/5197/2025, filed by Eba against the APC, Mr. Ekum Ekok Ojogu, Mr. Patrick Asikpo Okon and INEC.

The claimant approached the court through a motion ex parte,filed by his counsel, Ayotunde Ogunleye (SAN) seeking protection from what he described as an unlawful resolution dated November 26, 2025, which allegedly sought to prevent him from carrying out his duties as the APC chairman in Cross River State.

In granting the application, the court restrained the defendants, either by themselves, their agents or privies, from giving effect to or continuing to give effect to the said resolution, particularly any action that would prevent Eba from performing his responsibilities as the state chairman of the APC pending the determination of the substantive motion before the court.

Justice Obanor also barred the defendants from stopping the claimant from attending the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025, as well as any other party meetings he is entitled to attend during the subsistence of his tenure or any extension granted by the party’s NEC.

In a further order, the court restrained the second defendant, Mr. Ekum Ekok Ojogu, or any other person, from parading himself as the Acting State Chairman of the APC in Cross River State while the tenure of the claimant subsists.

The court also directed all the defendants to refrain from initiating, deliberating upon or taking any action or decision capable of adversely affecting Eba’s position or rights as the duly recognised chairman of the party in the state pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Justice Obanor, after reviewing the processes filed before the court, held that there was sufficient reason to grant the interim reliefs sought by the claimant.

“Having gone through all the processes before the court and being satisfied as to the need to grant the interim orders sought, Motion No. M/16959/2025 is hereby granted, and the orders are made as prayed, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice,” the judge ruled.

The judge subsequently adjourned to January 22, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.

December 18, 2025
Fubara loyalists, LP member defects to APC

Three loyalists of Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and a member of the Labour Party, on Thursday, announced their defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the prolonged crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The members who defected from the PDP to the APC are Boniface Emerengwa, Boma Goodhead, and Awaji Nombet Abiante from the PDP and Manuchin Umezuruike from the Labour Party to the APC.

The letters of defection of the four lawmakers were read at plenary on Thursday by the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen.

Abiante and the other two members, who are close associates of Rivers state Governor, said they were leaving the PDP to join the APC as a result of the protracted and unresolved crisis in the PDP.

Umezuruike, on his part, said he was leaving the Labour Party due to the lingering litigations, adding that it is not as a result of personal interest, but the interest of his people.

This will bring the number of members on the APC platform to about 250

December 18, 2025
Kogi APC Renaissance Forum backs Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive

A leading political group in Kogi State, the Kogi APC Renaissance Forum, has expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fight against corruption and corrupt practices in Nigeria.

The forum, in a statement by its spokesperson, Adejo Emmanuel, said the current anti-corruption campaign under the Tinubu administration is not targeted solely at opposition figures, noting that members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are also being prosecuted.

He cited the case of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, who is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of diversion and misappropriation of state funds, among other cases involving party members.

Emmanuel described corruption as a major governance challenge with far-reaching implications for democracy, electoral integrity, social cohesion, and economic growth, noting that it has consistently undermined Nigeria’s development despite previous anti-corruption efforts.

He said the entrenched nature of corruption in Nigeria, particularly among politically exposed persons, requires a more drastic and robust approach.

According to him, President Tinubu has demonstrated a strong commitment to tackling corruption by clearly separating partisan politics from governance and ensuring that offenders are held accountable through diligent prosecution.

He added that appropriate punishment remains essential in addressing corruption and deterring future abuses.

“The fight against corruption in Nigeria requires a paradigm shift and bolder actions to effectively address its deep-rooted and multifaceted nature,” Emmanuel said.

The forum urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s renewed anti-corruption drive, warning that individuals who engage in corrupt practices should desist or face the full weight of the law.

December 18, 2025