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Politics

Bola Oyebamiji Emerges APC Candidate for Osun Governorship

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The immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer for the Osun State governorship election scheduled for next year.

Oyebamiji clinched the ticket after being affirmed by the party’s 1,660 delegates during the primary election, having been nominated by one of the aspirants, Mr. Kunle Adegoke, SAN, and seconded by another, Senator Babajide Omoworare.

After the nominations, the Chairman of the primary election committee, Governor Monday Okpebholo, called for a voice vote, which resulted in unanimous approval from the delegates.

“By the power conferred on me as Chairman of the primary committee, I hereby declare Bola Oyebamiji, AMBO, as the candidate of our party,” he announced.

Ahead of the primary, the party experienced internal tension following the disqualification of seven aspirants, including a former national secretary of the party, Iyiola Omisore.

The screening committee stated that those disqualified did not meet the requirement of obtaining nominations from party members across all local government areas.

Several aspirants rejected the decision, contending that the guideline was unevenly enforced and that the process was influenced by interests outside Osun State.

As tensions escalated, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the party leader, invited some of the aspirants to Abuja for discussions. While some later indicated that their grievances had been resolved, Omisore remained among the strongest critics of the screening process.

He maintained that the exercise was defective and accused certain individuals of providing the president with incomplete information, stressing, however, that the president should not be held responsible for decisions made based on such briefings.

Oyebamiji, an indigene of Ikire, previously served as Commissioner for Finance under the administrations of former Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola.

Prior to his role as commissioner, Oyebamiji was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Omoluabi Holdings Limited, formerly known as OSICOL.

In 2023, he served as Special Adviser to Gboyega Oyetola, the pioneer Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, before his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority.

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News

Fubara: My Defection to APC Is to Support President Tinubu

Abduljelil Issa
Abduljelil Issa

Rivers State Governor, Similaye Fubara, who recently announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC), has said his decision to move to the ruling party was to support President Tinubu.

Recall that Fubara on Monday, December 8, 2025, met with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, in a closed-door meeting.

According to a video shared online, Fubara was spotted walking through the corridors toward the President’s office at 5:01 p.m., dressed in a deep-blue long-sleeve shirt, black trousers, and a black flat cap.

Fubara announced his defection at a stakeholders meeting held at the government house in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

In the video announcing his defection, Fubara said, “We can’t support President (Tinubu) if we don’t fully identify with him, not just backyard support. Our decision this evening is that we are moving to the APC.”

He joined Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; and his Bayelsa counterpart, Duoye Siri, all of whom defected from the opposition PDP.

Recall that on March 18, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months over political tension in the oil-rich South South state.

According to Tinubu, the decision was taken to restore stability in the state that has been witnessing political turmoil as a result of the disagreement between the state governor and the state lawmakers.

Following the declaration, the President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, who has now been appointed an ambassador, as the state’s administrator to oversee governance.

Six months later, Fubara resumed office and pledged to restore peace and reconciliation in the state.

Fubara, in a statewide broadcast, described the period (emergency rule) as enormously challenging but necessary to restore order and safeguard democratic institutions.

He said that, as governor, he chose to abide by the declaration and to co-operate fully with President Tinubu and the National Assembly, prioritising peace above personal or political gain.

“I resisted pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency declaration, suspension of democratic structures, and other measures taken during the turbulent period,” he said.

Fubara also added that the President brokered peace among the warring parties, he, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State House of Assembly later resolved to let peace reign.

According to the governor, the reconciliation was embraced in the best interest of Rivers’ people and for the progress of the state.

Do you think the decision of Governor Fubara is a wise one? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Politics

Fubara Dumps PDP for APC

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He made the announcement during a stakeholders meeting held at the government house in Port Harcourt.

Recall that Fubara met with President Bola Tinubu on Monday at the State House, Abuja, in a closed-door session.

According to a video circulated online, Fubara was seen walking through the corridors toward the President’s office at 5:01 p.m., dressed in a deep-blue long-sleeve shirt, black trousers and a black flat cap.

His visit followed growing speculation that he might exit the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress amid renewed political tension in the state.

Fubara formally declared his defection at the stakeholders meeting held at the government house in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The governor said, “We can’t support President (Tinubu) if we don’t fully identify with him, not just backyard support. Our decision this evening is that we are moving to the APC.”

He now joins Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; and his Bayelsa counterpart, Duoye Siri, who all left the PDP.

Recall that on March 18, Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months due to rising political tensions in the oil-rich South South state.

Tinubu said the measure was taken to stabilise the state, which had been facing political unrest caused by disagreements between the governor and state lawmakers.

Following the declaration, the President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, who has since been named an ambassador, as the administrator to manage the state’s affairs.

Six months later, Fubara returned to office and promised to pursue peace and reconciliation across the state.

Fubara, in a statewide address, described the emergency rule as extremely difficult but necessary to maintain order and protect institutions of governance.

He said that, as governor, he accepted the declaration and worked with President Tinubu and the National Assembly, placing peace above personal or political benefit.

“I resisted pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency declaration, suspension of democratic structures, and other measures taken during the turbulent period,” he said.

Fubara further noted that after the President intervened to reconcile the feuding parties, he, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State House of Assembly agreed to prioritise peace.

According to the governor, the reconciliation was accepted for the sake of Rivers people and the advancement of the state.

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Politics

Omisore, Six others Knocked out of APC Osun Governorship Race

Abduljelil Issa
Abduljelil Issa

The All Progressives Congress Screening Committee has excluded former APC National Secretary Iyiola Omisore and six other contenders from taking part in the Osun State governorship primary scheduled for December 13, citing discrepancies and lapses in their nomination filings.

The committee’s report, reviewed by our correspondent on Friday, appealed to party members to reconcile for internal cohesion ahead of the election, noting that settling disagreements is essential for a credible exercise.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission had fixed the Osun State governorship election for August 8, 2026.

Only Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji were cleared to contest in the primary.

The report read in part: “In carrying out its assignment, the Committee adopted the following screening process:

“Examination of documents and materials: All forms, declarations, supporting materials, and attachments submitted by aspirants were thoroughly reviewed to verify their authenticity and compliance with statutory and party requirements.

“Each aspirant underwent a structured interview session during which the Committee assessed their knowledge of party rules, personal preparedness, adherence to nomination requirements, and overall suitability.

“This methodology ensured a transparent, fair, and objective evaluation process.”

The report stated that the Committee received a petition from the Osun APC Renewal Group demanding the disqualification of the two aspirants who were alleged to have failed to meet the compulsory nomination standards outlined in the APC Constitution and the party’s governorship primary guidelines.

It stated: “Upon careful review, the Committee found the issues raised in the petition to be weighty, substantial, and relevant to the integrity of the screening process. In the interest of fairness, transparency, and uniform application of the Party’s rules, the Committee resolved that the concerns highlighted should not be applied selectively.

“The Committee found that two aspirants, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebanji, satisfactorily met all constitutional and guideline requirements of the APC, including proper nomination by the requisite number of fully registered, financially up-to-date party members from each Local Government Area.

“The Committee observed that seven aspirants—Sen. Iyiola Omisore, Babatunde Haketer Oralusi, Mr. Oyedotun Babayemi, Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Adegoke Rasheed Okiki Adekunle, and Sen. Babajide Omoworare—failed to meet the mandatory nomination requirement of being sponsored by five fully registered and financially up-to-date members from each Local Government Area, contrary to Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution, as well as Paragraph 6(c) of the APC Guidelines for the 2025 Governorship Primary.”

The Committee observed that the Party’s structure in Osun State remains significantly fragmented.

It continued: “It is therefore recommended that the National Leadership immediately establish a robust reconciliation mechanism to unify all factions and groups. A harmonised party is essential for a credible primary and success at the gubernatorial election.

“To foster broad inclusion and minimise feelings of marginalisation, the Party should ensure that political appointments, party offices, and campaign roles are evenly distributed across all zones, blocs, and interest groups within the State.

“The Committee expresses its profound gratitude to the NWC and the leadership of the APC for the confidence reposed in us, the members, to undertake this important assignment. We affirm our unwavering commitment to the principles of fairness and credibility that define our Party.”

Meanwhile, the Screening Appeal Committee chaired by Senator Tola Odebiyi is scheduled to convene on Saturday in Abuja to consider petitions from the seven disqualified aspirants and any other dissatisfied party members.

Do you think the decision won’t affect APC’s chance in the Osun governorship election? Kindly share your thoughts in the comment section.

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CourtRoomPolitics

Court Sacks Rep for Defecting from PDP to APC

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has removed Rep. Abubakar Gummi from office for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Gummi represents the Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State in the House of Representatives.

In his judgment, Justice Obiora Egwuatu barred Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, from further recognising Gummi as the lawmaker for the constituency.

The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat.

Although the judgment was delivered on Thursday, the certified true copy was obtained on Friday.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024, was filed by the PDP and its state chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, as plaintiffs.

Filed by Ibrahim Bawa (SAN), the suit listed Abubakar Suleiman Gummi, the Speaker of the House, and INEC as the first to third defendants.

The plaintiffs argued that under Section 68 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it was unconstitutional for Gummi to retain his seat after defecting when there was no division in the PDP.

They sought a declaration that the Speaker’s refusal to declare the seat vacant was unconstitutional.

In his defence, Gummi claimed that internal crises within the PDP forced his defection, citing unresolved disputes at both national and state levels that hindered his ability to serve effectively.

Justice Egwuatu, however, rejected the argument and granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs.

The judge criticised the rising trend of political defection, describing it as “political prostitution,” and emphasised that elected officials must respect the mandate of their voters.

He declared, “If a person must decamp, don’t decamp with the mandate of the electorates. Don’t transfer the votes garnered on the platform of one party to another.”

Justice Egwuatu ruled that Gummi automatically lost his seat upon defection and restrained him from receiving any further salaries or allowances as a lawmaker.

He also ordered Gummi to refund all payments received from October 30, 2024, until the date of judgment and to provide evidence of repayment within 30 days.

The court further awarded a cost of ₦500,000 in favour of the plaintiffs.

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Politics

Five PDP Reps, One LP Member Defect to APC

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Five members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Enugu State in the House of Representatives, along with one Labour Party member from Plateau State, on Thursday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reading their letters of defection during plenary, Speaker of the House, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, said the lawmakers cited internal party crises and divisions as reasons for leaving their former parties.

While welcoming them, Tajudeen stated that the APC remained “large enough to accommodate all.”

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Rep. Nnolim Nnaji, who represents Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency of Enugu State, said the decision was aimed at fostering the development of their state.

According to him, the move was to align with the central government to ensure continued support for Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.

Those who defected from the PDP to the APC include Reps. Nnolim Nnaji (Nkanu East/Nkanu West), Martins Oke (Igbo Etiti/Uzo Uwani), and Nnamdi Agbo (Igbo-Eze North/Udenu). Others are Reps. Anayo Onwuegbu (Aninri/Agwu/Oji River) and Chidi Obeta (Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reported that Rep. Daniel Asama, representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency of Plateau State, moved from the Labour Party to the APC.

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Politics

Another PDP Governor Dumps Party For APC

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Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor made the declaration on Wednesday during a briefing at the Executive Council Chamber of the Bayelsa State Government House. However, he did not reveal the political party he plans to join.

Diri’s decision reportedly has the backing of 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker.

His resignation comes barely 24 hours after Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, also defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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