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

Crisis Hits APC Govs Forum As 18 Rejects Uzodinma’s Removal

Published

4 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

A serious crisis is currently brewing in the Progressive Governors’ Forum following the sudden removal of the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, as its chairman.

Reports had it earlier that a cross-section of All Progressives Congress, APC, governors removed Uzodinma and installed the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, as its chairman.

Although the Director-General of the forum, Folorunso Aluko, in a statement on Friday, said the reports of Uzodinma’s removal were fake and misleading, sources privy to the matter confirmed to DAILY POST that some governors met on Thursday night and removed Uzodinma.

The meeting, according to reports, was led by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and was held at the Ogun Government Lodge.

However, in a swift move to counter the decision of the Abiodun-led group, 18 other governors met behind closed doors at the Imo Lodge on Friday and passed a vote of confidence in Uzodinma.

Some of those present at the meeting included the governors of Ondo, Kaduna, Taraba, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Borno, Lagos, Kogi, Kano, Yobe, Kebbi, Benue and Jigawa states, while Nasarawa State was represented by its deputy governor.

Speaking on the unfolding events, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said: “All of us woke up to that very unfortunate story, which was virtually in all the media in Nigeria. But the truth of the matter is that the APC Progressive Governors’ Forum is very united.

“We are stronger now than at any other time. And, of course, we are all supporting the president for what he has been doing.

“We also want to assure everyone that the APC is united, the governors are united, the forum is united, and there is no problem at all.”

Politics

BREAKING: APC Governors Forum Splits As Uzodimma, Abiodun Lead Rival Factions

Published

5 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

The Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, has been factionalised.

The rival factions emerged after its chairman, Governor Hope Uzodimma, was reportedly removed on Thursday.

While Uzodimma insisted that he remains PGF chairman, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq are leading a separate faction.

Another bloc within the forum has reportedly aligned behind Abiodun and AbdulRazaq.

The development, which comes amid growing political realignments within the ruling party, marks a significant crack within the ranks of APC governors ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to reports by Arise TV, details surrounding the disagreement remain unclear, but sources within the party said tensions had been building over internal leadership control and strategic positioning ahead of the next election season.

DAILY POST reports that, as of the time of filing this report, none of the factions had officially released a detailed statement on the cause of the division.

Politics

2027: Why We Called On Goodluck Jonathan To Run For Presidency – Ohikere

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2026

Editor

Supporters of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan have explained why they marched to his office, urging him to run in the 2027 presidential election.

While addressing the Coalition for Jonathan 2027 in Abuja on Thursday, its National President, Tom Ohikere, said the group was motivated by concerns over the state of the country.

Ohikere, on behalf of the coalition, appealed to the former president to “save Nigeria from impending collapse.”

He recalled an earlier visit to Jonathan on April 8, 2026, during which the group first appealed to him to contest the 2027 election.

The coalition noted that it had yet to receive a clear response from the former president and expressed concern that he had not picked up a nomination form from any political party.

According to them, Jonathan should commit to the race, obtain a presidential nomination form from any party of his choice, and contest the election, pledging to mobilise support for him across the country.

“Last month, April 8, 2026, the Coalition for Jonathan 2027 paid a friendly visit to Your Excellency to urge you to run in the 2027 presidential election to save Nigeria from impending collapse. Though we did not meet you in person, we believe that our message was unreservedly passed on to you, as it was to the entire Nigerian people through the media.

“Since then, we have had little information as to whether you have yielded to our clarion call, as you have not yet, to our knowledge, picked up a nomination form for the presidential contest in any registered political party.

“Because of our genuine fear of a possible collapse of Nigeria, as peace and unity are now gradually eluding all of us, we decided to march to your office again today, hoping you will step out to receive us and make a statement that will gladden our hearts and the entire nation.

“We are asking you to hear our cries and contest the 2027 presidential election, sir. This mammoth crowd that came with us here today is a fragment of your supporters nationwide and represents every tribe, tongue, and religious belief in this country. We, young and old, girls and boys, men and women, are all here crying for your voice to say ‘yes’ to our request,” Ohikere said.

Recall that Jonathan had hinted at the possibility of returning to the presidential race in 2027, saying he would “consult widely” following growing calls for him to contest.

Jonathan made the remark while responding to members of the Coalition for Jonathan 2027 who marched to his office to urge him to run for president in the next general election.

“Presidential race is not a computer game, but I heard you, and I will consult widely. But the most important thing is that Nigeria should have young people who will plan for our grandchildren,” Jonathan said.