Politics

Defection Hits Cross Rivers PDP As Ex-guber Candidate, Others Dump Party

Published

1 year ago

May 3, 2025

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 Cross River State election, Dr. Emana Duke Ambrose-Amawhe along with her more than 1,000 supporters, has officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection event was held at her Edem Odo ward in Akpabuyo Local Government Area on Friday. Emana explained that her decision to join the APC was motivated by the developmental efforts made by the party both at the state and national levels.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the All Progressives family. As a former deputy governorship candidate of the PDP, I decided to move to the APC, inspired by the commendable work being done by our governor, His Excellency Bassey Otu. It’s evident, even to the blind, when good things happen.

“While some might argue that the economy is struggling, I believe that progress takes time.

“The president of Nigeria is strategically addressing various issues, and we are gradually approaching an improved economy.

“These factors contributed to my choice to return to the APC as a proud Cross Riverian.”

She clarified that her switch was not driven by personal gain or the pursuit of an appointment, but rather a desire to collaborate with those in leadership to bring democratic benefits to her community.

“She urged those remaining in opposition to contribute constructively rather than criticize from the sidelines.

“I am committed to national development, which is why I have aligned with the APC.

“No one is compelled to join the party. For there to be effective opposition, parties must be organized and cohesive.

“If they are divided, they are clearly not prepared to engage in meaningful politics. Personally, I prefer to associate with those who are dedicated to tangible outcomes.

“Stop being a keyboard critic of the government; instead, step up, share your ideas, and join us in building a better Cross River and Nigeria,” she asserted.

Pastor Patrick Asikpo, the APC state secretary, welcomed the newcomers and reminded them to approach the party without adversarial intentions, assuring them that all privileges afforded to APC members would now be available to them as well.

“Remember, a complex peace is preferable to a petty conflict. Today, we welcome new members into APC, and from this day forward, all the rights and benefits associated with APC membership are yours.

“There’s no divide between old and new APC members; you are all part of APC moving forward,” he stated.

Former Minister of Tourism High Chief Edem Duke, the Edem Odo Ward leader in Akpabuyo LGA, expressed confidence that the APC would face the 2027 elections with ease due to such significant defections.

“I am very pleased because this marks a major defection from one of the leading political figures of the PDP. Her presence here today signals a transformation in political alliances and dynamics within Cross River State, favoring the APC,” he noted.

Among the APC leaders present were the commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Abigail Duke, executive chairpersons from Akpabuyo and Bakassi, as well as state party executives and chapter chairpersons from various local government areas.

Politics

Defection: Peter Obi Simply Looking For ‘Food Is Ready’ Party – Wike

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe on former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent defection.

Speaking during a media parley on Wednesday, Wike said Obi is looking for a ‘food is ready’ political party.

The minister said, “Obi was in APGA, he couldn’t build APGA. He went to Labour, he ran away again from Labour. All he’s looking for is food is ready political party.”

Recall that Obi and Rabi’u Kwankwaso, former presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, on Sunday officially joined the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Politics

2027: Nobody Wants Fubara – Wike

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that there is widespread support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to return in 2027.

Speaking during his monthly media parley on Wednesday in Abuja, Wike suggested that Fubara can’t claim to enjoy unanimous backing from the public.

He explained that the political crisis in Rivers State had earlier been addressed through the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, particularly during impeachment proceedings initiated against Fubara.

According to Wike, the President advised all parties to embrace peace, leading to the withdrawal of the impeachment move by the State House of Assembly after agreements were reached.

Wike, however, alleged that the governor failed to fully adhere to the terms agreed during the arbitration process.

Reacting to claims that the people were urging Fubara to seek re-election in 2027, Wike rejected the assertion, insisting that such narratives were misleading.

Wike maintained that appearing before the President for arbitration required respect for the outcome, noting that all parties were expected to uphold their commitments.

He said: “The President, intervened in the impeachment proceeding. I said withdraw, let their be peace. And the governor said, look, I’m ready for peace. Look, I’m no longer interested for this. I will not do this. The Assembly went and withdrew the impeachment.

“Having withdrawn the impeachment, he is now too smart on what you agreed before the President. It’s like when you go on arbitration.”

Wike continued, “This one is what I don’t like. Nobody wants anybody. Please, don’t tell me that. Excuse me.

You can go and tell that to the market people or children. Two years that people say he should come out. Who told you that?

“Which politician will say that I was sleeping they came and woke me? Even if people people come to wake you, can’t you say, no, I won’t do it. I’m not prepared for it.

“That you appeared before a President of the country on arbitration, the two parties on arbitration, and these people respected Mr. President, and have done their own part.”

Politics

2027: Wike Opens Up On Preferred Rivers Guber Candidate

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday said he hasn’t endorsed any candidate for the Rivers state gubernatorial election in 2027.

Wike stated this on Wednesday during his monthly media parley in Abuja.

Wike said that the endorsement will come only after a meeting by the joint coalition in the state.

He said: “I haven’t endorsed anybody. And I can’t endorse anybody until the joint coalition meets.”

DAILY POST reports that questions have been raised concerning the fate of current governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in 2027.

The FCT Minister was reported to have endorsed former State Commissioner for Works, Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly, as his preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship election.

Sources told DAILY POST that Wike settled for George after a closed-door meeting with key political stakeholders in Port Harcourt on Monday.