Defection - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Apr, Thu, 2025

Oborevwori’s defection, major boost — Uzodimma

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By Naomi Sharang

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has called Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) a major development.

Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), stated this while speaking with journalists in Abuja following a closed-door meeting with other Progressive Governors.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oborevwori officially joined the APC on Wednesday.

“When a governor joins our party, we view it as a significant event and a moment to commend ourselves and thank Almighty God.

“That’s exactly our sentiment. The Progressives Governors resolved today to celebrate this development and extend congratulations to one another,” Uzodimma said.

He noted that governors not originally elected on the APC platform now recognise President Bola Tinubu’s efforts and are aligning with the party for a united Nigeria.

“The APC treats sub-national governance with great importance.

“So, a governor defecting to our party is a heavy development in our political journey,” he said.

Uzodimma said the governors discussed the welfare of the APC and current national issues during their meeting.

They pledged continued support for President Tinubu’s policies and vowed to strengthen the ruling party.

He stated that the Progressive Governors would promote Tinubu’s achievements so that Nigerians can fully appreciate the administration’s progress.

“We’ll counter blackmail and propaganda aimed at tarnishing the government’s image.

“We, as Progressive Governors, firmly support President Tinubu and the APC government in Nigeria.

“We are pleased with the progress. In spite of challenges, the reform policies are beginning to yield visible results.

“We pray God grants the President wisdom, courage and strength to deliver greater dividends of democracy for Nigerians,” Uzodimma said. (NAN)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu / Kamal Tayo Oropo

Lawmaker blames opposition leadership crisis for defections

Philip Daniel Yatai
Mar, Thu, 2025

Politics

Lawmaker blames opposition leadership crisis for defections

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By Ikenna Osuoha

A member of the House of Representatives, Cyriacus Umeha, has blamed the wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling party on a lack of leadership.

Umeha, representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that opposition parties were experiencing a leadership crisis.

“Labour Party, which I belong to, is in crisis at both ward and national levels. The Peoples Democratic Party and even the New Nigeria People’s Party are also facing a leadership crisis,” he said.

The lawmaker stressed the need for opposition parties to unite and speak with one voice, saying that only then would defections stop.

He emphasised that every politician was committed to working under a harmonised and united political party leadership.

According to him, the opposition lacks credible and united leadership, forcing members to seek stability in the ruling party.

Umeha regretted the leadership tussle within the Labour Party, saying it had caused divisions and weakened the party.

“The Labour Party was seen as a third force with great expectations from Nigerians. Unfortunately, it is now in crisis,” he said.

However, he reaffirmed his dedication to delivering the dividends of democracy to his constituents through developmental projects.

He stated that he had provided water to rural communities and constructed rural roads to improve livelihoods.

Umeha also urged INEC to fulfil its duty of replacing vacant seats in the National Assembly without delay.

He criticised INEC’s failure to conduct elections within 90 days as required by the constitution, calling it unhealthy for Nigeria’s democracy.

NAN reports that there has been a wave of defections in the National Assembly, particularly from opposition parties to the ruling party. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Defections: Stay, build your political parties, Prof. tells opposition politicians

Philip Daniel Yatai
Feb, Tue, 2025

Politics

Defections: Stay, build your political parties, Prof. tells opposition politicians

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By Ikenna Osuoha

Prof. Vitalis Orikeze-Ajumbe, former Imo Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has advised members of the opposition political parties to remain in their parties to make them viable and effective.

Orikeze-Ajumbe gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

The professor expressed concern over the level of defection by Nigerian politicians in the opposition, describing it as “selfishness and unpatriotic”.

“There is nothing wrong for politicians in opposition to remain in their political parties no matter how long or circumstances.

“It will make them more viable and effective in their role as watchdogs than joining the ruling party,” he said.

The elder statesman blamed massive defection of politicians in opposition on gluttony and gullibility.

He urged politicians in opposition to rise above individual benefits but be dedicated to defense of the people.

Orikeze-Ajumbe called on Nigerian politicians to shun all manner of political merchandise for a better and greater Nigeria.

According to him, Nigeria should always be their priority not their pockets.

The former ANPP Chairman dismissed insinuations that Nigeria was drifting to a one party state.

“Nigeria, no matter what, can never be a one party state, we are above that,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Amos Magaji of the PDP in the House of Representatives defected to the APC on alleged grounds of crisis in the PDP. (NAN)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu