Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are reportedly considering key concessions to restore unity within the party ahead of the 2027 presidential election. A reliable source said that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde recently met with Wike in Lagos, representing fellow PDP governors in a bid to mend internal divisions. The discussions reportedly centered on resolving the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State involving Wike and the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Other key issues included disputes over the South-South zonal leadership and the long-vacant position of National Secretary—matters that have deepened internal rifts and complicated party cohesion. Since the 2023 elections, the PDP has been plagued by internal strife, which worsened following the fallout between Wike and Fubara. Efforts by the party’s leadership organs—including the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and the PDP Governors Forum—to mediate have only widened divisions. These unresolved conflicts have sparked deeper splits across state and zonal structures, causing frustration among party members. Disillusioned by the ongoing crisis, some have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the PDP's failure to resolve internal disputes. On April 23, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other political figures from the state officially joined the APC—a major setback for the PDP, significantly damaging its image and weakening its electoral prospects for 2027. A source close to Makinde confirmed that following the Lagos meeting, he agreed to brief other PDP governors on the outcome, while Wike was expected to update his loyalists. He stated, “Makinde and Wike met in Lagos, where Makinde represented the PDP governors and Wike attended on behalf of his loyalists. “During the meeting, Wike expressed concerns about the Governors Forum’s recommendations, claiming they were made without considering party laws. He stated that some of the positions taken by the governors were illegal. The minister also pointed out that despite the Forum’s numerous positions, it has only succeeded in complicating matters rather than resolving them. “Wike informed Makinde and other PDP leaders that he was unhappy with the Forum’s decisions regarding the National Secretary, South-South Zonal leadership, and the ongoing issues in Rivers State. “He promised to stay in the PDP but requested that the forum and party leadership reconsider their positions on these issues in accordance with the party’s considering, to ensure peace, unity, and help reposition the party.” The source stated that Makinde also expressed frustration over how the behaviour of some of the officials involved had worsened the situation. He said, “In his response, Makinde also mentioned that the attitude of some officials towards the PDP governors was disrespectful and was not helping the situation. He reassured Wike that no one was trying to embarrass anyone, but rather, everyone was doing their best to reposition the party. “Makinde promised to brief the governors on or before the forum’s next meeting and assured Wike of his support. They both agreed that concerned members should withdraw the pending litigation and pursue political solutions. “Additionally, they agreed that the Governors Forum’s decision on issues such as the zonal congress, especially that of the South-South, the Rivers State crisis, the National Secretary position, and other matters should be revisited to accommodate all interests.” THE PUNCH

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has instructed all Local Government and Ward Chairmen to begin the immediate registration of new members defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), without requiring any conditions or documentation, including resignation letters from the PDP. The directive was issued by APC State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, through the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo Esq. The APC said,”This directive follows the unprecedented political realignment witnessed on the 28th of April, 2025, during which the entire executive structure of the PDP-spanning from the Ward level to the State level-joined His Excellency Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and other leaders to formally defect to the APC. This momentous development signals a new era for our great Party and must be handled with a sense of unity, inclusion and openness.” “Accordingly, all Party functionaries at the grassroots-local government chairmen and ward chairmen, are hereby instructed to eliminate any bureaucratic hurdles, red tape or procedural bottlenecks that may hinder the seamless registration and integration of these new members. Any act capable of alienating or discouraging our new entrants from participating fully in Party activities shall not be tolerated.” According to the APC,”This is a time of growth, unity and strategic consolidation for the APC in Delta State. We urge all Party leaders and faithful to demonstrate the spirit of brotherhood, accommodation and progressiveness as we welcome our new members. “Let us work together to build a stronger, united APC that reflects the aspirations of all Deltans under the leadership of *His Excellency Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State.”

Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, has firmly ruled out the party’s participation in the opposition coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Speaking at an emergency National Executive Committee meeting held Friday at the LP secretariat in Abuja, Abure stated that the party would not align with the coalition, arguing that its promoters lack the courage, competence, and character needed to lead such an initiative. Notably, LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and Obidient Movement National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, are key figures associated with the coalition. “The Labour Party is not and will not be part of any coalition towards the 2027 general election. Instead, we will focus on rebuilding, repositioning, re-strategising, reconciling, and expanding our membership base to win the 2027 elections. “I am making very clear that anybody from LP who is in talks on any coalition is on his own and does not carry the mandate of the Labour Party. Let us be heard loud and clear. Those aspirants masquerading and looking for coalition lack the courage, competence and character to drive the process. “Leaders who can’t manage their political parties and deliberately create division cannot successfully drive any meaningful coalition. Probably we over-estimated some people. Forming a new party where stakeholders are expected to surrender their identity and structure requires strong leadership, which is currently lacking,” he noted. The Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC) has reviewed allegations of anti-party activities involving Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and several others. Citing conduct deemed inappropriate for a party leader, the NEC established a disciplinary committee to determine the fate of Otti and the others involved. Chairman Julius Abure also expressed concern over Otti’s repeated criticisms and open hostility toward the party’s leadership, particularly in national media appearances, describing such actions as clear cases of anti-party behaviour.

At least 27 political aides to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri have been dismissed for attending the inauguration of the Bayelsa chapter of The NEW Associates, a grassroots political movement. Their dismissal reportedly followed their participation in both the event and a mega rally held in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. In a letter titled "TERMINATION OF APPOINTMENT" dated 23rd April 2025, signed by Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday, it was noted that the appointments were terminated with immediate effect. "I write to inform you of the termination of the following appointments with immediate effect. Their appointments were communicated to your office in our letters under the listed reference numbers," the letter stated.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has confirmed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has taken on the role of party leader. This was disclosed in a statement by the APC Delta State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo. Governor Oborevwori officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on Monday, April 28, 2025. Addressing the recent developments concerning the leadership structure, the APC said,”This position is not subject to debate or contention. It is a principle consistent with our Party’s tradition and leadership structure across the federation, whereby the sitting governor of a state under the APC platform becomes the leader of the Party in that State.” “This fact was clearly and unequivocally affirmed by His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, during the official defection event. The Vice President’s declaration reflects the official position of the national leadership of our Party and must be respected by all stakeholders and members within the Party in Delta State, as authoritative, binding and final. “Consequently, Delta APC finds it strange, arrogant and reprehensible for any individual to continue to arrogate or to parade himself as the leader of the Party in Delta State in clear opposition to the present reality of the governor as leader of the Party. “Therefore, we warn that we will not tolerate any dissenting opinions or actions that seek to challenge or undermine this fact. “Any such posture would amount to a deliberate act of provocation and a source of avoidable tension within our Party ranks. Let it be known that such divisive tendencies will be firmly resisted, and anyone who seeks to undermine this position by continuing to parade himself as such will face severe sanctions from the Party. “The Party stands united behind His Excellency Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and remains resolutely committed to his leadership as he continues to deliver on his promises of good governance under the M.O.R.E. agenda. “We urge anyone with contrary intentions to desist, as the Party will not allow divisive tendencies to derail the continued growth and sustainable development being ushered in under Governor Oborevwori’s purposeful leadership.”

In a move aimed at fostering reconciliation, suspended Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, held a meeting with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the latter’s residence in Abuja. Sources reliably informed WAFFI TV that the meeting took place at Wike’s private residence and was facilitated by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, and former Ogun Governor Olusegun Osoba. Upon arrival, Fubara reportedly walked directly into Wike’s living room, described as familiar ground, and pleaded with the Minister. When WAFFI TV contacted a source familiar with the meeting, the insider, who requested anonymity, confirmed: “There was a meeting and I can confirm that.” However, when asked if the meeting led to an end of the emergency situation in Rivers, the source responded: “That I can’t confirm but all I know is that there was a meeting.” This development follows a recent meeting between Governor Fubara and President Bola Tinubu in London. Fubara and Wike have been at odds since Fubara assumed office in 2023. Amid growing tension and threats from Niger Delta militants to attack oil facilities in the region, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. As part of the response, the president suspended Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State Assembly for six months, installing a Sole Administrator to manage the state’s affairs. Reacting to the emergency rule, Wike revealed he had initially pushed for Fubara’s removal from office, but President Tinubu's intervention spared the embattled governor.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has stirred speculation about a possible political shift after expressing doubts about the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a viable platform for his future ambitions beyond 2027. Speaking during a constituency outreach on Tuesday in Ikot Akpankuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area, the governor compared the PDP to a malfunctioning aircraft, hinting that he might switch to a “different plane” to reach his political destination—a remark widely seen as a signal of potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). “If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, won’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?” Eno asked, addressing a large crowd at the Town Square meeting for the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency. His comments come at a time of mounting concern over internal divisions and instability within the PDP, worsened by recent defections such as that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC. While voicing his reservations about the PDP’s future, Governor Eno urged his supporters to stay focused on his administration’s goals, stressing that delivering quality service remains his main priority. Though he has not officially announced any move to another party, his remarks have fueled political debate over the shifting landscape in Akwa Ibom and the broader national opposition.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to take legal action against Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other prominent figures who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Following a six-hour closed-door meeting held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday, the PDP leadership directed its National Legal Adviser to begin legal proceedings aimed at reclaiming what it described as the party’s stolen mandate in Delta State. WAFFI TV recalls that the emergency meeting of the NWC was convened at the party’s headquarters in Abuja. In a communiqué issued afterward, the PDP instructed its legal team to initiate the process of challenging the defections in court. In a move to restore party stability in the state, the PDP also appointed its South-South Zonal Chairman, Emma Ogidi, to oversee the party’s affairs in Delta and lead the reorganisation process. According to the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, “We have also instructed the national legal adviser to recover our mandate that they have taken away. The fortune of this party cannot be just left in the hands of our adversaries, so you (the national legal adviser) will take legal action to retrieve those mandates. “We’ve just instructed the zonal caretaker committee to oversee the party in Delta after dissolving all the structures that have already been there, since the majority of them have shifted.” In addition to addressing the recent wave of defections, the National Working Committee (NWC) also approved several major recommendations put forward by the PDP Governors’ Forum. The committee set May 28 as the date for the party’s next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and scheduled the PDP National Convention to take place from August 28 to 30, 2025.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is unbothered by his 2023 running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), affirming that he remains committed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku noted that it is undemocratic to fault anyone for their political choices. “Former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, bears no grudges; he has said that, and he means it. “As a democrat, he subscribes to the universality and constitutionality of the freedom of association, which is one of the pillars of democracy, without which democracy would be meaningless,” Ibe said. According to him, the former Vice-President remains committed to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and has no plans to join another party. “We have addressed the issues about coalition, and remember that we had a statement to that effect; Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is not leaving the PDP, and he has said that clearly. “As for those talking about him leaving the PDP, we don’t know where they are getting that from,” he added.

Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has revealed that former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is set to leave the party. He made the statement on Tuesday during an interview on ARISE TV. Dr. Okowa also explained his own defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other top PDP figures in Delta State. According to him, the move followed months of consultations and growing disillusionment with the PDP’s direction. “I discussed the coalition with Atiku, who is on his way out of the PDP, before we moved to the APC,” Okowa revealed, confirming rumours that the 2023 PDP presidential flagbearer is rethinking his political future. Okowa distanced himself from the proposed grand opposition coalition led by Atiku, saying it lacked clarity, structure, and urgency. “It does not seem that a viable vehicle has been confirmed for that coalition, nor does it appear that a coalition could build strength in such a short period,” he said. Instead, Okowa threw his weight behind President Tinubu, calling for “a full eight-year tenure.” The former Delta State governor stated that President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 would preserve the South’s turn in the presidential power rotation and be in Nigeria’s best interest.