Politics

How Imansuangbon’s Defection Boost Labour’s Party Fortune

Published

3 years ago

June 18, 2023

Editor

Barrister Imansuangbon

By Felix Odion

Just recently Barrister Kenneth Imansuangbon (aka the Riceman) took a voyage of discovery by moving from the problem infected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Labour Party (LP).

His movement, as it is the hallmark of anything the school proprietor is involved in, was well celebrated across the length and breadth of the country if not even beyond.

The LP national secretariat was on that day a beehive of activities as a crowd of the party faithfuls, the new member’s sympathisers/supporters and inquisitive members of the public filled the place to the brim. The occasion was more like a carnival.

Before his movement to the LP ‘the Riceman’ was more like the soul of the PDP. He was for years a staunch loyalist of the party’s flagbearer in the 2019 and 2023 Presidential elections, the Turaki of Adamawa, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

‘The Riceman’ was always in the entourage cum campaign train of the Turaki. The former Vice President in the course of his campaign to be elected as successor to then President Muhammadu Buhari in the last Presidential polls made a tour of the 36 states of the country ‘the Riceman’ was with him in at least 34 of the states.

Even when Atiku travelled out of the country on many occasions, Barrister Imansuangbon could be seen in pictures that the Atiku media minders take of their boss’ activities during the trip. Only Dino Melaye and probably one or two others can boast of having more presence than ‘the Riceman’ in Atiku’s voyage. That’s the best representation of the level of Barrister Imansuangbon’s loyalty and belief in the ATIKULATED agenda.

If there is any ‘sickness’ that Barrister Imansuangbon is infected with it’s his total, unalloyed belief in any course he is undertaking. No amount of persuasion or negative reports from any quarter will dissuade or discourage him. I recall that he had a lot of bashing from party members in the aftermath of the crisis that engulfed the PDP in Edo State when some people who were not comfortable with his pacifist stand on the issue took him to the cleaners with allegations that he was doing ‘busy body’ just so as to curry favour with a key actor that was fuelling the crisis.

The height of ‘the Riceman’s’ loyalty to Alhaji Atiku is that he would have made the switch from the PDP to the LP much earlier but for the fact that he was awaiting the nod of Alhaji Atiku on his new project (to move to the LP).

Those who labelled Barrister Imansuangbon as jumping ship because Alhaji Atiku did not win the Presidential poll should go back to the above paragraph to see how wrong they were and to beg for forgiveness for they have delved wrongly into what they know nothing about. To say that he is bringing value to the LP is stating the obvious.

Politics

Peter Obi Meets US Consul General, Hopes For Credible Polls In 2027

Published

12 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi on Tuesday held a meeting with United States Consul General, Mr Rick Swart.

Obi made this known via his X handle.

He said “This morning, in Lagos, I met with the U.S. Consul General, Mr Rick Swart, where we discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship. We focused on promoting credible elections in Nigeria, ensuring they are free from interference, and fostering a space where all political parties, especially opposition parties can thrive, and contribute.

“We also discussed trade and business opportunities between our countries. Accompanying me to the meeting was Dr Adefolaseye Adebomi Adebayo.

“The discussion was very productive, and we are hopeful that, moving forward, Nigeria’s elections will be even more credible and transparent.”

Politics

BREAKING: 17 ADC Reps Follow Join NDC

Published

17 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

About 17 African Democratic Congress, ADC, lawmakers in the House of Representatives have defected to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC.

This was disclosed by Speaker Abass Tajudeen on the floor of the House on Tuesday.

Tajudeen also announced the defection of Leke Abejide from the ADC to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Lawmakers who defected to the NDC include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Adamu Wakili, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu, Oluwaseyi Sowunmi, Peter Aniekwe, Mukhtar Zakari, George Oluwande and Munachim Umezuruike.

Others are Emeka Idu, Jesse Onuakalusi, Ifeanyi Uzokwe, Afam Ogene and Abdulhakeem Ado.

This comes barely a day after former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC.

Obi and Kwankwaso have pledged to continue their pursuit for a better Nigeria in the NDC.

Politics

JUST IN: Why I left ADC For NDC With Kwankwaso – Peter Obi Opens Up

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

A former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has given reasons why he resigned from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, alongside a former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

In a long post on X on Monday, Obi insisted it was not out of anger or ambition.

Rather, he said the move is a continuation of the quest to build a new Nigeria.

Obi wrote: “Yesterday, I formally joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside my dear brother, Engr. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with one clear purpose: to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for the ordinary Nigerian.

“As I stated yesterday, this decision was not made out of anger, personal ambition, or convenience. It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading.

“Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my conviction that politics should never be about individuals, positions, or personal gain. It must be about the people, especially the millions of Nigerians who today can no longer afford necessities, whose businesses are collapsing, whose children are losing hope, and whose future is becoming increasingly uncertain.

“I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party: the severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed to ensure that I, alongside many other notable individuals, do not effectively participate in the electoral process. I sincerely appreciate and remain deeply grateful to the Leadership of ADC for the opportunity to work together in pursuit of a better Nigeria. I am particularly grateful to ADC Chairman Senator David Mark for his exceptional Leadership. I also deeply appreciate my Leader and elder brother YE, Atiku Abubakar, as well as other respected leaders within the party.

“As we join the NDC, I sincerely appeal to the Nigerian Government against the encouragement of unresolved litigations and the infusion of crises within political parties. Democracy must never become a weapon against the people. A healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions, credible alternatives, and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation, or fear. Opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed, because when democracy loses balance, the people ultimately suffer.

“Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Poverty is rising. Hunger is widespread. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Businesses are shutting down daily. Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system. At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion.

“Our decision to join the NDC is therefore not an abandonment of values, but a continuation of the same mission we have always stood for: building a Nigeria where leadership is about service, where public resources are managed responsibly, where institutions function independently, and where every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or social status, can live with dignity, security, and hope.

“I remain committed to working with all Nigerians of goodwill across political, ethnic, and religious lines. The task before us is bigger than any individual or political party. It is about the future of our children and the survival of our dear nation.

“I thank Nigerians, especially our youths and women, for remaining peaceful, resilient, and hopeful despite the enormous challenges confronting the country. I urge you not to lose faith in Nigeria. Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand for what is right.”