Politics

Edo Assembly Speaker, Two Other Lawmakers, Formally Join APC

Published

1 year ago

May 6, 2025

Editor

Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Speaker dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC alongside Hon. Sunny Ifada, Hon. Yekini Idiaye, former Deputy Speaker Hon. Roland Asoro, former House Majority Leader Hon. Nosa Nosayaba.

Their defection to the APC now makes the party having 18 out of the 24 members of the Assembly.

The defection ground rally held today , May 6, 2025, also saw the former PDP State Secretary, Gabriel Oloruntoba, and 17 Local Government Chairmen, numerous councilors, joining the APC.

APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru who received the defectors on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, assured them of equal opportunities within the APC.

He emphasized the significance of their defection as a milestone for the party’s consolidation in Edo.

He commended Governor Okpebholo for his leadership, particularly for ensuring regular salary payments and infrastructural renewal such as the ongoing road projects in Ekpoma.

He noted that the wave of defections signifies a shift in political tides and reflects growing confidence in the APC-led administration.

On his part, Okpebholo welcomed the new entrants into the APC fold, promising that the state is on a path to an accelerated growth with the full backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Edo is witnessing unprecedented development because we have a president who believes in our people.

“From roads to flyovers, education, youth employment, and agriculture, we are investing massively to ensure food security and economic stability,” the governor stated.

He declared that Edo would play a leading role in ensuring President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

“We will lead the South-South in supporting Mr. President. We have the structure and the momentum, and we will launch this mission from Edo State,” he affirmed.

Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, described the Speaker’s return to APC as a homecoming, further describing Agbebaku as one of the original builders of the party in the state.

“This defection is a testament to the governor’s impressive performance. Out of 24 Assembly members, APC now holds 18 seats, providing the needed legislative support to move the state forward,” Oshiomhole said.

He expressed optimism that the governor’s achievements would earn him a second term in 2028, just as Edo State would deliver for President Tinubu in 2027.

Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, attributed the wave of defections to the visible development strides under Governor Okpebholo.

“The governor’s performance speaks volumes, and his results are drawing others back to the party,” he said.

Speaker Agbebaku, in his remarks, praised the governor’s developmental focus, citing the construction of Uhonmora Secondary School and three major roads in Owan West LGA as signs of inclusive governance.

“We are here to support the governor and the president to move Edo forward,” he declared.

Politics

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

Published

2 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

3 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

3 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.