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Four Edo lawmakers decamp to APC

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Four members of the Edo State House of Assembly, elected on the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defecting lawmakers are: Hon. Donald Okugbe (Akoko-Edo Constituency II – PDP), Hon. Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon Constituency II – LP), Hon. Richard Edosa (Oredo West – PDP) and Hon. Sunday Ojiezele (Esan South East – PDP).

They pledged their commitment to working with the Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration, to drive development in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Richard Edosa cited internal divisions within their former parties as the primary reason for their decision.

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“There are divisions in the PDP from the national level down to the state, local government, and ward levels. The party that gave us the platform to win the election also created the atmosphere that made us leave. We believe in unity and progress, and that is what the APC represents.”

He further expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Okpebholo, stating:

“We believe in the governor’s vision for Edo State, as well as the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. That is why we have decided to join forces with the APC to move Edo forward. We promise to work together with the governor and the party to build a new Edo State.”

With this defection, the APC has now gained a majority in the Edo State House of Assembly. The Minority Leader, Hon. Eric Okaka (APC – Owan East), commended the lawmakers for their bold decision, attributing it to Governor Okpebholo’s performance and leadership style.

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“Before now, we were in the minority, but with this defection, we are now the majority in the House. We will work closely with the governor to ensure Edo State experiences rapid development for the benefit of our people.”

The Chairman of APC in Edo State, Emperor Jaret Tenebe, officially received the lawmakers at the party secretariat, presenting them with the party’s symbol. He assured them of equal treatment within the party and hailed their defection as a strong endorsement of Governor Okpebholo’s administration.

“These lawmakers bring a wealth of experience and have recognized that the APC is the party of progress. They have seen the clarity of Governor Okpebholo’s leadership and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Edo people.”

He reiterated the party’s commitment to economic growth, education, social harmony, and security in the state.

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With the APC now holding a majority in the state assembly, the defectors’ move is expected to strengthen Governor Okpebholo’s legislative support and influence the upcoming political landscape in Edo State.

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Politics

Jandor to announce new political future, after meeting Tinubu

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Dr. Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, the 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is set to unveil his political future on Monday, March 17, 2025, following his resignation from the PDP.

Jandor’s spokesperson, Gbenga Ogunleye, confirmed over the weekend that he will address the press at Liberty Place, Adeniyi Jones Street, Ikeja, Lagos, to disclose his next political steps.

This comes after a closed-door meeting between Jandor and President Bola Tinubu in Aso Rock, Abuja, last week, where undisclosed matters were discussed.

Before meeting Tinubu, Jandor also held talks with several political leaders, including: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Former President Ibrahim Babangida, Former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and 2023 SDP Presidential Candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo

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Ogunleye described these meetings as part of Jandor’s ongoing political consultations following his exit from the PDP.

The National Secretary of the PDP and other party leaders had also reached out to Jandor, appealing for him to reconsider his resignation.

However, Ogunleye hinted at intense interest from major political parties, saying: “Overtures from major political interests are intense. Jandor cannot decide alone. The best decision will be made by the stakeholders this weekend.”

Jandor previously resigned from the PDP, citing: Indiscipline and anti-party activities, Betrayal by the party leadership on the eve of the Lagos governorship election and False claims of an alliance that misled PDP supporters into voting for another candidate

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He particularly blamed PDP chieftain Chief Bode George for playing a significant role in his political struggles within the party.

With Monday’s announcement, Jandor is expected to reveal his new political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

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WATCH moment Wike arrives Rivers State in grand style for Ijaw people reception

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It was jubilation galore on Saturday as FCT minister, Nyesom Wike arrives Abalama for a grand reception organized by Ijaw people in Rivers State.

Watch the jubilant crowd below:

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El-Rufai in trouble as SDP’s youth group rejects his membership alleges he’s a trouble maker

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A youth coalition within Nigeria’s Social Democratic Party (SDP) has rejected the defection of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of attempting to seize control of the party for personal political gain.

El-Rufai resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after months of meetings with opposition leaders and officially joined the SDP earlier this week.

However, his defection has sparked outrage among some party members, particularly within the SDP Youths and Supporters Coalition.

In a statement issued on Friday, the group’s president, Comrade Abdulsamad Bello, described El-Rufai as “unfit and morally unqualified” to join the SDP, citing his “anti-democratic record” during his time as governor.

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“We reject El-Rufai’s entrance into our party in its entirety. He has come not as a reformer but as an undertaker, seeking to bury the SDP before it even has the chance to grow,” Bello said.

The coalition also criticised the party’s leadership for what it described as a “clandestine deal” that allowed El-Rufai’s defection, warning that his presence could destabilise the party.

“El-Rufai has never believed in democracy. His history of suppressing opposition voices, sidelining party members, and enforcing his will through coercion is well known,” Bello added.

“It is shocking that the leadership of our party would allow itself to be infiltrated by someone whose tenure in office was marked by impunity, authoritarianism, and disregard for democratic values.”

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The former governor’s entry into the party has already sparked tensions.

On Wednesday, his supporters staged a demonstration at the SDP national headquarters in Abuja, calling for the resignation of the party’s national secretary, Olu Agunloye.

According to the youth coalition, this is evidence of El-Rufai’s attempt to seize control of the party’s leadership.

“Barely days after joining our party, El-Rufai is already pushing for a leadership change. He is demanding that Olu Agunloye resigns, even when the party has its own internal mechanisms for handling such matters. This is a clear sign of his desperation to control the SDP and mould it in his own image,” the statement added.

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The group accused El-Rufai of using the SDP as a platform for his personal political ambitions, particularly in light of his recent criticisms of President Bola Tinubu and the APC.

“El-Rufai’s resignation from the APC and his calculated entry into the SDP is nothing but a desperate attempt to reinvent himself politically,” Bello added.

“The same man who once insulted opposition leaders and dismissed them as irrelevant is now seeking refuge in their midst. His hypocrisy knows no bounds.

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