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  • Efon APC stakeholders endorse Oyebanji for second term

    Efon APC stakeholders endorse Oyebanji for second term

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Efon Local Government Area of Ekiti State have thrown their weight behind the second term bid of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. 

    The APC leaders noted that they were inspired by Governor Oyebanji exemplary leadership and giant strides in various sectors including infrastructures, health, agriculture, education, among others.

    The leaders gave their endorsement in Efon Alaaye, the headquarters of Efon Local Government during a programme tagged: “Iyan BAO” to mark end of the political activities in 2024.

    Speaking with journalists, a member of Ekiti APC Elders’ Forum, Chief Joseph Alake, said that the last three years of Oyebanji has witnessed unprecedented socio-economic development. 

    The APC chieftain noted that the people of Ekiti were lucky to have  Oyebanji in the helm of affairs considering his stellar performance towards making the state a better place for all and sundry. 

    He lauded Oyebanji for the construction of the second major road leading to the town, which has been left neglected for many years by previous administrations in the state.

    Alake also commended Victor Kolade for sponsoring”Iyan BAO” initiative selflessly since September, 2024, despite not being a political appointee. 

    He said, “This is my second attendance for Iyan BAO because I have been indisposed for a while. When I was in Abroad, this Iyan BAO powered by Barrister Kolade is not been seen in the state capital, I am the one sending it to directly. It’s very commendable, it makes mobilisation for our party in Efon to improve and become stronger.

    “We are commending Barrister Kolade because he’s doing these things for BAO. I have personally spent millions of naira here today which is 100k cash gift to each ward to celebrate festive period on behalf of BAO.

    “We are surprised by what BAO is doing, he has exceeded all expectations. And we thank former Governor, Kayode Fayemi for giving us BAO as the candidate that time.

    “He has constructed a road from Moba post office to Ipolo junction and will soon tar it. They have not tarred the road since when I was small but he’s doing it. We are ready for the second term of BAO and we will make sure he win by voting for him massively”.

    The sponsor of the programme, Kolade said that he came up with the initiative to mobilize support for Governor Oyebanji ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

    Read Also: Ekiti 2026: Fayemi endorses Oyebanji for second term

    He explained that Oyebanji has brought peace and tranquility to the party and the state as a result of his unique leadership style and inclusive approach. 

    He said“I’m not an elected and appointed member of the party. I’m just an ordinary member of the party.It’s an intention to mobilise for BAO for his second term. 

    “Mr Governor has done so well. He is so humble, he’s honest, straightforward and he deserves to go one more time. I just woke up one day and said what can I to assist his government, that’s why I came up with the idea of Iyan BAO.

    “The Governor has brought peace and tranquility to the state.There was a time an average Ekiti man was not proud of this state but it has become the thing of the past now”, he added. 

  • Osun 2026: APC group rejects zoning, warns against candidate imposition

    Osun 2026: APC group rejects zoning, warns against candidate imposition

    As the 2026 Osun state governorship election approaches, the Osun Progressives Independent Forum (OPIF), a political group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has voiced its opposition to zoning the party’s ticket. 

    The group also warned against the imposition of a candidate, citing past electoral challenges in 2018 and 2022 as cautionary tales. 

    Speaking at the NUJ Press Centre, Sunday Satiregun, OPIF’s coordinator, emphasised the need for merit-based selection of the APC gubernatorial candidate. 

    “The future of the APC and Osun State depends on selecting a candidate based on merit, not sentiments,” Satiregun stated. 

    “Our party must evaluate potential candidates against clear criteria, including antecedents, experience, electoral viability, courage, and demographic appeal.” 

    He advised against promoting a particular zone or senatorial district, cautioning that such actions could lead to divisions similar to those experienced in previous elections, which resulted in defections and a rerun. 

    Read Also: APC chieftain reiterates commitment to service

    Satiregun reiterated OPIF’s commitment to the party’s success, stating, “We are dedicated to strengthening the APC, not individuals, in order to ensure victory in future elections.” 

    He further disclosed that the group aims to mobilise 100,000 new voters to secure victory in 2026 and unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke. 

    “Currently, we have 60,000 members, and we are working diligently to expand our membership,” he added. 

    The group’s position highlights the need for strategic planning and unity within the APC ahead of the crucial 2026 gubernatorial contest.

  • Reps deputy speaker receives over 3,000 fresh defectors to APC in Abia 

    Reps deputy speaker receives over 3,000 fresh defectors to APC in Abia 

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has welcomed over 3,000 new members from different political parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State. 

    The mass defection occurred in Akwete, Ndoki in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia during an empowerment programme by the member representing Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency of the State in the House of Representatives, Chris Nkwonta. 

    Addressing the gathering, Kalu revealed that an influx of more defectors to the party is imminent, adding that it was a reflection of the people’s gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has shown commitment to Igbo people’s development, especially through the creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC). 

    He said that the establishment of the Commission will essentially cater for the infrastructure needs of the region. 

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    It will be recalled that Nkwonta, who chairs the House Committee on South East Development Commission recently defected to the APC from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). 

    Kalu said: “The President has tried for Ndigbo. He is still trying for Ndigbo. He is the only man that remembered Ndigbo after 54 years that a promise of reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation was made to Ndigbo. He came with the spirit of equity and fairness. He is a leader who believes in development. He signed the bill into law so that the damage caused by the civil war will be rebuilt. As the leader of our party, he has asked us to galvanize the grassroots and bring them closer to the politics of development that he is bringing to the Igbo land.

    “For taking this decision to join APC, it shall be well with you. APC has come closer to the people. On behalf of our party, we welcome you. We know who you are and what you are capable of doing. When these caliber of people left PDP and other parties and joined the APC, what again is left? The parties have collapsed. Everybody is here. We will empower you to empower others”.

    Kalu who was also honored with a chieftaincy title of “Enyioha of Ukwa Kingdom” urged the people to continue to support the government of the President Tinubu, assuring that Ukwa East and Ukwa West Federal Constituency, Abia as a State and indeed, Igbo land will be benefit from more democracy dividends.

    Some of the decampees included the former Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly and former member, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Stanley.

  • Osun APC leaders warn against threats

    Osun APC leaders warn against threats

    Leaders and stakeholders of Ede South Apex Council of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State have warned against threats and intimidation ahead of 2026 governorship election.

    They urged the monarch of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Laminisa 1, to call Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, to order.

    In a statement by ‘Laolu Adabanija, they faulted a remark by Akinleye that any indigene who do not vote for Adeleke in 2026 should go into exile.

    Adabanija, who also hails from Ede, said such an unguarded statement was undemocratic and not befitting of an occupant of the Office of Chief of Staff.

    “Threats and intimidation have no place in a democracy. Let us preserve the legacy of peace, progress, and unity that Ede always stood for,” he said.

    APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola, had also slammed Akinleye for the comments.

    Adabanija said such a statement was a disservice to the harmony and political maturity “we have fostered in Ede.”

    He noted that Ede sons and daughters have contributed to Osun development, saying “no individual or family can lay claim to the destiny of our land.

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    “Democracy thrives on diversity of views, and ability to express these without fear of reprisal is sacrosanct,” he said.

    Adabanija said Akinleye’s comments  were undemocratic, and if left unchecked, poses a threat to peace.”

    He added: “As a result, we call on our Baba Kabiyesi, the Timi of Edeland, to caution the Chief of Staff.

    “As the custodian of our culture and traditions, Kabiyesi must ensure that the sanctity of democratic values and respect for divergent views are upheld in our community.

    “Alhaji Akinleye’s statement reeks of authoritarianism and smacks of the traits of a despot rather than a democrat.

     “So also, the security agencies, religion and spiritual leaders, opinion moulders and political stakeholders should kindly note that should there be any fallouts from this, Akinleye should be held accountable, as no one can lay sole claim to the monopoly of violence.

    “Furthermore, we must ask: does Akinleye’s statement reflect the inner convictions of Governor Ademola Adeleke? Is this the position of the government he leads?

    “If his Chief of Staff can speak in such a manner, should we then assume that dissenting voices have no place in Osun State under Governor Adeleke’s administration?”

    Adabanija said Ede deserves leaders who will unite, not divide; and who will inspire, not intimidate.

    “We urge the Adeleke Administration to clarify its stance and demonstrate that it truly represents all citizens, regardless of political affiliations,” Adabanija said.

  • APC to Kwankwaso: No room for Kano NNPP to manipulate votes in 2027

    APC to Kwankwaso: No room for Kano NNPP to manipulate votes in 2027

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday warned Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso that it will not allow the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to manipulate votes in Kano state in the 2027 general election, as it did to defeat APC in the last election.

    Kano State APC chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, described as laughable the claim by Kwankwaso that he would significantly reduce the votes of APC in Kano in the 2027 polls.

    Abbas was reacting to Kwankwaso’s declaration while receiving some former councillors and senior special advisers, who served under Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, during a meeting in his Kano residence with stakeholders from Tsanyawa Local Government Area.

    Kwankwaso was quoted as saying: “Now, it’s our turn to diminish APC’s influence. We will work tirelessly to ensure their votes are reduced to less than 15,000 in Kano come  2027.”

    In his reaction, the APC chairman told Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano, “to stop daydreaming and channel his energies towards reclaiming his NNPP membership.”

    He described Kwankwaso as “a political refugee who has chosen to cling to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf like a leech in a futile attempt to regain relevance in the scheme of things in the country.”

    The APC warned Kwankwaso and the NNPP that it would not allow a repeat of the “vote manipulation and allocation during the 2023 general elections that created the impression that the NNPP is well-rooted in Kano State.”

    Kwankwaso has also stated that his party “NNPP achieved this remarkable feat despite being a new political platform coupled with the late start of its campaign.”

    Read Also: Kwankwaso gets his reshuffle wish

    But Abbas said: “Our teeming supporters in the APC have no cause to worry about Kwankwaso who has been booted out of NNPP due to his cluelessness and self-centeredness.

    “We expect Kwankwaso to keep wondering why he has become a wanderer in the political terrain.

    “He ran away from APC because he couldn’t fit into our progressive ideals. His over-bloated ego and domineering posture forced him to abandon the PDP and he has now become a political refugee because the NNPP refused to accommodate him.”

    The APC chairman assured that “the party (APC) is already waiting to reclaim the state and save Kano people from the undue influence of Kwankwaso.”

  • SEDC board appointments solely President Tinubu’s decision – APC chieftain

    SEDC board appointments solely President Tinubu’s decision – APC chieftain

    A member of the South East Election Planning and Monitoring Committee of the APC/Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council 2023, Hon. Elton Onwu, has refuted claims that Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, hijacked appointments into the Board and Management of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).

    In a statement issued Sunday in Abuja, Onwu dismissed allegations made by the APC National Vice Chairman for the South East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, who accused Kalu of appointing his personal aides to the commission. 

    Onwu stated that the Deputy Speaker lacks the authority to make such appointments, as alleged.

    Onwu expressed concern over Arodiogbu’s remarks, noting that the APC zonal chairman has been critical of the appointments since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved them. 

    He described Arodiogbu’s claims as misleading, particularly the assertion that the appointees are unqualified.

    Highlighting the credentials of the appointees, Onwu cited individuals such as Chief Emeka Wogu, a former Minister of Labour and Productivity and a representative at the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission, and Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, a two-term Speaker of a State House of Assembly, Acting Governor, and former member of the House of Representatives.

    Onwu also dismissed allegations that Wogu and Ohajuruka are personal aides to Kalu, labeling the claims baseless. “I challenge him [Arodiogbu] to produce evidence to support his claim. They are not personal aides of the Deputy Speaker,” Onwu stated.

    Read Also: Yuletide: Over 1,000 Osun residents get APC leader’s relief packages 

    “Furthermore, Arodigbo’s account of a stakeholders’ meeting where names were chosen, without mentioning Kalu’s name, is suspicious, to say the least.

    “But perhaps the most egregious error is Arodigbo’s claim that Late Senator Ifeanyi sponsored the SEDC bill. This is a blatant falsehood, as Senator Ifeanyi Uba’s version of the bill never progressed beyond the first reading. The actual SEDC bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Kalu, was received by the Senate with the number HB626. And that is the one assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “It will be pertinent at this juncture to even say that the list of nominees approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects a diverse representation from the five states of the South East. 

    “This includes notable individuals such as Hon. Mark C. Okoye, Managing Director (Anambra); Dr. Emeka Wogu, Chairman (Abia); Sylvester Okonkwo, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs (Anambra); Toby Okechukwu, Executive Director, Projects (Enugu); Anthony Agbo, Executive Director, Infrastructure (Ebonyi) ; Dr. Clifford Ogbede, Executive Director, Agriculture (Imo); Stanley Ohajuruka, Executive Director, Finance (Abia); Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah (Enugu); Hon. Okey Ezenwa (Anambra); Chief Hyacinth Ikpor (Ebony); Chidi Echeazu (Anambra); Barr. Ifeanyi Agwu (Imo); Nasiru Usman (North West); Hamman Adamu AG Kumo (North East); Edward David Onoja (North Central); Orure Kufre Inima (South South); Daniel Akwari (Abia) and Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma (South West). 

    “Surprisingly, Arodigbo does not know that the Deputy Speaker does not possess the constitutional powers to make nominations to the board of any government agency, including the SEDC. 

    “This responsibility lies solely with the Presidency. Therefore, it is absurd to suggest that Kalu could have hijacked a list compiled by the Presidency.

    “It’s clear that Arodigbo’s campaign of calumny against Deputy Speaker Kalu will not yield any positive results. Instead of spreading misinformation and maligning Kalu’s character, Arodigbo should focus on supporting the young leader’s legislative efforts to bring democracy dividends to the South East. 

    “In fact, Deputy Speaker’s exceptional leadership qualities and his legislative sagacity have endeared many people to APC in the South East already and APC will not lose voters in the South East. This tempo of support for President Tinubu, must be sustained for the greater good of Ala Igbo and Nigeria in general.

    “All major critical stakeholders of the South East are appreciative of President Tinubu for keeping to his promise of developing the South East region. I will advice Arodigbo to focus on uniting the party than championing selfish acts capable of destroying it.”

  • Yuletide: Over 1,000 Osun residents get APC leader’s relief packages 

    Yuletide: Over 1,000 Osun residents get APC leader’s relief packages 

    …APC remains hope of Osun in 2026—Osun APC chair  

    Over 1,000 residents of Boripe Local Government Area in Osun State benefited from Yuletide celebration relief packages over the weekend. 

    The relief, which included food and other essential items, was aimed at supporting vulnerable groups, including the elderly and People With Disabilities (PWDs).

    The initiative was sponsored by Damilare Eniade, a prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Osun Central Senatorial District.

    Eniade stated that the distribution of the food relief materials would take place over three days to ensure a smooth process and prevent any unfortunate incidents.

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    “Also, I hereby donate sum of ₦500,000 each to the Muslim and Christian Communities in Boripe respectively; also donate ₦500,000 to the APC in Boripe LG.”

    Earlier, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, commended the gesture of Eniade as he urged him to continue his philanthropic efforts. 

    The chairman of APC, Tajudeen Lawal said: “We will not get tired because we need to rescue the state. Our party remain hope for the people of Osun State in 2026. 

  • Delta APC submits alternate report, proposes new path

    Delta APC submits alternate report, proposes new path

    The Delta chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a significant step towards strengthening its internal structures and promoting unity among members.

    An Alternate Report, signed by nine out of 21 members of the Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Reconciliation Committee, including the Deputy State Chairman, has been submitted to the National leadership of the APC in Abuja.

    The report raises concerns about the legitimacy and constitutionality of the Majority Report’s proposals, particularly the recommendation to establish a council of leaders at all levels of the party structure to take over the responsibilities of the organs of the party. Instead, the Alternate Report proposes comprehensive recommendations aimed at strengthening the party, promoting unity, and addressing internal challenges.

    The alternate report further highlighted issues such as lack of genuine reconciliation, and members’ conflicts of interest. Additionally, grassroots feedback, critical to fostering unity, was reportedly ignored.

    The report emphasizes the need for a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable party structure and administration. It also calls for the constitution of a new, unbiased reconciliation committee.

    The report has received widespread endorsement from notable stakeholders, including the State Secretary, members of the state working committee, APC members of the Delta State House of Assembly, LGA APC chairmen, and secretaries. Other endorsers include a serving member of the House of Representatives, federal commissioners, former speakers of the Delta State House of Assembly, and former members of the National and State Assembly.

    The statement reads: “Today, as the Acting Chairman of the Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC), I submitted the Alternate Report of the Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Reconciliation Committee to the National leadership of the APC in Abuja.

    “The Alternate Report fundamentally chronicles the disagreements with the Majority Report, citing numerous flaws and concerns, including issues with the Reconciliation Committee’s illegal formation and composition, lack of transparency, failure to effect or achieve genuine reconciliation, conflict of interest of members, and ignoring grassroots feedbacks.

    “The report criticizes the Majority Report’s recommendations, particularly the establishment of a council of leaders at all levels of the party structure, arguing that it is unconstitutional, biased, and detrimental to the party’s unity and progress. However, the Alternate Report offers comprehensive recommendations aimed at strengthening the party, promoting unity, and addressing internal challenges.

    “These recommendations are designed to foster a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable party structure and administration. The report emphasizes the need for regular meetings of party organs, free, fair and transparent congresses, rebuilding the party, post-mortem analysis of the 2023 elections, grassroots engagement, transparency and accountability, federal government empowerment of APC members, and the constitution of a new, unbiased reconciliation committee.

    “Notably, the report was signed by nine out of 21 members of the committee including the Deputy State Chairman and endorsed by notable stakeholders, including the State Secretary and other members of the state working committee, 6 out of 7 APC members of the Delta State House of Assembly, 16 elected members of the State Executive Committee, 24 out of 25 LGA APC chairmen, and all 25 LGA APC secretaries. 

    “Other notable endorsers include a serving member of the House of Representatives, five serving federal commissioners, two former speakers of the Delta State House of Assembly, a former deputy speaker, the pioneer chairman of Delta State APC, former members of the National and State Assembly including Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, former commissioners in Delta State, and other leaders and stakeholders.”

  • APC chieftain urges Nigerians to eschew violence at Yuletide

    APC chieftain urges Nigerians to eschew violence at Yuletide

    A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Alimosho area of Lagos State, Princess Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf has urged Nigerians to celebrate the Yuletide with a sense of moderation and avoid exhibition of any act of violence.

    In a statement issued by her Media Office on Friday, Akinbile-Yussuf, who is a former Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture in Lagos State said what Nigeria needs at the this time is peace and tranquility for economic growth and development.

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    The statement read: ” Festivities at this period should be done with decency and moderation; not by engaging in violent acts that could jeopardise the very essence of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    ”Our dear country is currently witnessing bold economic re-engineering by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians should support him by ensuring that there is no breakdown of law and order through anti-social conduct during this period.”

  • Delta APC crisis: Omo-Agege supporters issue minority report

    Delta APC crisis: Omo-Agege supporters issue minority report

    • By Unue Emeka

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State remains embroiled in internal strife with the release of a Minority Report from supporters of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, opposing the majority report presented by the Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Reconciliation Committee.

    Emerhor’s Reconciliation Committee was established by the State Working Committee (SWC) to address grievances stemming from the 2023 general elections and to unify the party for future contests.

    While the majority report gained the support of key stakeholders, the minority faction rejected its recommendations, further highlighting the sharp divisions within Delta APC.

    The “minority report” further underscored the significant and sharp division within the Delta APC, and no tendency within the party is ready to shift ground for the party’s unity.

    In fact, some allies of Omo-Agege in the last election including the two APC elected Senators (Ede Dafinone and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas) and only APC House of Representatives member, Francis Waive, have since pitched tent with the majority report.

    Political observers agree that the National APC leadership must intervene decisively. Without a common ground, Delta APC risks becoming a shadow of itself. The call for a unified, inclusive leadership model has grown louder, particularly as the “one-man show” style of Omo-Agege is widely opposed by other leaders, including Minister Festus Keyamo and elected representatives.

    The majority report recommends collegiate leadership, transparency, and structural reforms to position the party for success. However, the proposed minority report challenges the legitimacy of the committee, accusing it of being biased and lacking transparency. It claims the inclusion of non-APC members in the reconciliation process rendered its recommendations invalid.

    The minority report also accuses the committee of exacerbating divisions by proposing unconstitutional leadership structures, such as the “council of leaders.” These proposals were labeled as destabilizing and contrary to party rules, reflecting a failure to prioritize genuine reconciliation.

    Another key contention is the committee’s recommendations for party congresses. While the Majority report provides for the Collegiate leadership to manage the Congress processes to ensure no one leader highjack the party structure, the minority faction argues for the status that has always allowed a super leader to highjack the process alleging that allowing a leadership council to manage congresses undermines grassroots participation and violates party guidelines.

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    The proposed minority report also alleges internal sabotage by unnamed leaders and accuses the majority report of failing to address these issues adequately. It proposes convening the State Executive Committee to restructure the party, emphasizing grassroots engagement and accountability. This includes a comprehensive review of the 2023 elections to identify and address lapses.

    Critics of the minority report argue that Omo-Agege loyalists’ stance prioritizes personal interests over collective progress. The lack of inclusivity in decision-making during his tenure as the party’s leader has been a recurring issue, further alienating stakeholders and weakening the party’s unity.

    Delta APC’s survival hinges on finding middle ground where all leaders are treated as equal stakeholders. Political analysts warn that continuing with the status quo will lead to repeated electoral failures, allowing the PDP to maintain its dominance in Delta State.

    To secure victory in 2027, Delta APC must embrace collective leadership, prioritize reconciliation, and restructure its internal processes. The party must move beyond a single-leader narrative and embrace a united front to present a credible alternative to the PDP.

    The way forward lies in shared responsibility and inclusivity. APC today is a divided party of those with Minister Festus Keyamo and those for Sen Ovie Omo-Agege.

    By recommending that these two leaders co-chair the Collegiate leadership council, the majority report provides a practical solution to the unification of the party.

    Omo-Agege can still play a pivotal role in the party without monopolising its structure. Only by fostering unity can the APC hope to challenge the PDP effectively and meet the expectations of Deltans longing for political change. Failure to do so will leave Delta APC fragmented and irrelevant.

    • Unue Emeka writes from Asaba, Delta State