Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emphasized that freedom of association and expression are fundamental democratic rights, not privileges. He made this statement in response to the recent wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Atiku's comments were shared on X Friday, following the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other party members in the state to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy — they are fundamental rights. “Alongside these stand the pillars of a just and functional democratic society: the people, the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability. Undermine any of these, and democracy itself begins to crumble,” he wrote. WAFFI TV reports that Oborevwori has defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, is reportedly set to join the ruling party soon. Oborevwori succeeded Okowa as Delta State governor after winning the 2023 election on the PDP platform. In recent weeks, the PDP has seen several defections to the APC, with other governors and prominent party figures also believed to be planning to switch parties. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stated that any effort to undermine these democratic values poses a direct threat to Nigeria's democracy. He added that defections and political realignments are part of the country’s developing democratic culture and should not be regarded as acts of betrayal. “As someone who believes deeply in democratic ideals, I bear no ill will towards anyone who chooses a different political path. “Politics will always involve shifting alliances, we’ve seen them in the past and we’ll see more in the future,” he added.

Amid growing concerns over mass defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including several high-profile departures in Delta State, party chieftain and Board of Trustees member Chief Bode George has expressed optimism that the PDP will rebound and emerge stronger following its National Executive Committee meeting set for May 15. Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Friday, George responded to concerns over the wave of defections from Delta State, which included former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and all 25 local government chairmen. Despite what many have described as a political “tsunami,” George maintained that the PDP remains strong and resilient. “A date has been fixed for our NEC meeting and after that meeting, you will see that this same Iroko tree, the political Iroko tree, will bounce back,” he said. George condemned the defections in Delta State as “despicable” and a “display of ingratitude toward a platform that elevated you.” He voiced disappointment, characterizing the exits as driven by self-interest. When asked about the impact of prominent figures like Okowa—who was the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the last general election—leaving the party, George brushed it off as insignificant. “It is an experience. We have gone through this before. It is not a threat. Because something happened doesn’t mean it is fixated or it is finality,” he assured. George argued that the All Progressives Congress, despite benefiting from the defections, offers no real alternative. “There is hunger in the land. There is anger in the land. What do you think they are going to do there? If it is not a personal embellishment, what are they going to do there?” he said. He acknowledged that the exodus appears damaging but maintained that the party has experienced similar episodes in the past and has always recovered. George also issued a warning about the consequences of electoral manipulation in the future, stating, “If we lose, we hands off. But if we win and you manipulate the results, you are looking for an unimaginable conflagration. And we cannot afford that.” Despite internal fractures and public criticism, the BOT member insisted the PDP is not in its final days. “We will come up with a suggested solution which will be unanimous. These challenges we are facing now will further strengthen us,” he concluded.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has outlined key conditions necessary for lasting peace amid the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State. According to Wike, genuine intentions from all parties are essential for reconciliation, emphasizing that peace efforts will be futile without sincerity. He noted that the current emergency rule in the state helped prevent a major crisis. Speaking on Friday during a church thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt to celebrate the 70th birthday of former federal lawmaker Ken Chikere, Wike stated that protests would not alter the current political reality. The FCT Minister also criticized traditional rulers and other state leaders for allegedly siding with the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, claiming they have failed to mediate or promote reconciliation since the crisis began. “One month after Mr President, in his wisdom, declared a state of emergency to save Rivers State from anarchy, I challenge any Rivers so-called elders, even the traditional rulers, what attempt have they made to bring total peace in the State? “I challenge any so-called 90 years, 200 years, what effort since one month and one week has seen that there is total reconciliation in this state? “No amount of going to television to abuse anybody will bring peace, because we have always said that those who thrive in crisis, when there is crisis, are happy, when there is no crisis, there is no food on the table. Those people cannot be real elders.” The former governor of Rivers State condemned women who protested naked on the streets seeking an end to emergency rule in the state and called for the reinstatement of elected officers of the State. He said what can bring peace to the state is a sincere reconciliation of both parties, regardless minding the political parties or interest groups. “There is no need to embarrass our women to be naked outside. No amount of such can bring peace, no amount of such blackmail can bring peace. What can bring peace is for you to humble yourself and say for the interest of the state, I want everybody to work together. “If you are sincere, everybody would have known. I told our leaders, yes, some people have tried to approach me, I received them. I did not pursue them, but seeing me alone does not bring peace. “There are critical stakeholders that must be involved in the process of this peacemaking. Nobody will be excluded. If any group is excluded, it means there is no total peace. “Members of the State Assembly and the National Assembly must be involved. The two political parties must be involved, other leaders must be involved. In that way, we will now know that they are sincere in talking about peace.” He encouraged his loyalists, especially the 27 members of the State House of Assembly at the event, to jubilate over their victory at the Supreme Court recently. “One thing you must go home and jubilate is this: Assembly maintained their seats, and you can step aside that kangaroo election. If anybody says you are nobody, that person must have a mental problem. So, we need peace, but let there be total sincerity. “Let it be yes, I am not coming to play like a decoy, not when you come and see somebody and you tune the television, people are abusing the same person. That cannot be a sign of peace”, Wike added.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared that the highly anticipated 2027 presidential election will not be a contest between political parties, but rather a battle between Nigerians and the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Atiku made this assertion in a statement issued on Friday, while reacting to the recent wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Recall that Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, defected from the PDP to the APC on Wednesday. On the same day, the PDP’s former Vice Presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, also announced his defection to the ruling party. Reacting, Atiku noted that the “freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy,” stating that “they are fundamental rights. “Alongside these stand the pillars of a just and functional democratic society: the people, the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability. Undermine any of these, and democracy itself begins to crumble. “As someone who holds fast to these values, I bear no grudges against anyone for exercising their right to political alignment. Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics. We’ve seen them before, and we’ll see them again”. The former VP lamented how some persons resorted to insults because he recently visited former President Muhammadu Buhari. “Let’s not rewrite history: Buhari is not only a former leader but a significant statesman in the Nigerian political landscape. “During the 2013 opposition merger, the leaders of the time consulted widely — including visits to Obasanjo and Babangida. So why is it now sacrilegious for me and other leaders to visit Buhari in Kaduna? If you truly believe in freedom of association, then you must respect the rights of all political actors to engage, regardless of party lines”, he said. According to him, the coming election is “not APC versus PDP, or LP versus APC. It is Nigerians versus an administration that has plunged the nation into untold suffering. The economy is in a freefall. “Inflation is choking the masses. Jobs are vanishing. Youth restiveness is surging to terrifying levels. Nigerians are not just tired — they are angry, and rightfully so. “This moment is about collective survival. The real enemy is not one another — it is the Tinubu administration’s abysmal failure. We must reject every attempt to distract us with ethnic, regional, or religious sentiments. “These are tools of manipulation, designed to divide and conquer, used by those with nothing else to offer”.

Concerns are mounting within the opposition Labour Party (LP) amid speculations of an imminent wave of defections involving prominent members, including Abia State Governor, Alex Otti. Saturday Vanguard learned that some of these members are awaiting the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final stance on the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the party’s leadership dispute before taking action. A senior party source, who requested anonymity due to the delicate nature of the issue, revealed that Governor Otti is already in talks with the APC, negotiating “personal terms.” The source said, “The governor is yet to move because his conditions have not yet been met. “He wants the APC leadership to grant him and all members of his State House of Assembly as well as the National Assembly to be given a right of first refusal with respect to the 2027 tickets. “The party is asking him to join in his own capacity, promising to make that concession, arguing that extending the same courtesies to his lawmakers had the potential of throwing the party into turmoil. One thing I know for sure is that negotiations have reached an advanced stage.” Governor Alex Otti and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, have distanced themselves from the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC). Instead, they have backed the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee, which they both played key roles in establishing. It’s also worth noting that Otti openly supported his loyalists in Abia State to defect to political parties of their choice for the November 2024 local government elections. Most of them joined the Zenith Labour Party, securing 15 out of 17 seats, while the Young Progressives Party (YPP) claimed the remaining two. Otti, said at the time, “I can assure you that I am in LP. The crisis in LP made a lot of our supporters go elsewhere. Our people know those who would deliver the goods. “As our people say, you know the child you would send out that would not disgrace you when they give him food. Even if he is hungry, he will refuse to eat. “I believe that was what has happened in this case, right from the time I stood up to contest the election in 2015. When I left PDP to join APGA, our people followed me, and I won that election then. “APGA has not won even one councillorship before that time, and then, we took almost half of the House of Assembly seats in 2015. “So, sometimes, people recognise that political parties are empty platforms and that when you muddle up things in your political parties, you give advantage, create opportunities for your competitors and that was what happened in this last election. “I authorised my followers to join any political party that they liked and the majority of them moved into other political parties. I remain in the Labour Party. “Anytime I am going to leave, that is if there is any need to leave, you would be properly informed.”

In a significant political upheaval in Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and several top PDP stakeholders have formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection was announced on Wednesday following a high-level stakeholders meeting at the Government House in Asaba. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, explained that the decision to abandon the PDP was born out of the need to align with a political platform that would better serve the development goals of the state and the interests of Deltans. “For some time now, the media has been speculating about the political direction of Delta State,” Aniagwu said. “Our Governor and leaders have been carrying out wide consultations, and after careful deliberations, we reached a unanimous decision. The political temperature has changed — the taste of the palm wine, so to speak, has changed — and we must adjust our drinking pattern accordingly.” He continued: “This move is aimed at ensuring that Delta State continues on the path of development, security, and progress. Remaining in the PDP, given the current circumstances, would only truncate that journey.” Echoing similar sentiments, former Senator for Delta South and pioneer PDP Chairman in the state, Senator James Manager, emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly, but was a necessary response to the internal issues plaguing the PDP. “I have been with the PDP from the very beginning, so this is a very emotional moment for me,” Manager said. “But when a ship is sinking, you don’t stay onboard out of sentiment. We had extensive consultations, and today marks the climax of those discussions. What we have now is a collective and unanimous decision to chart a new course.” Also in attendance at the crucial meeting were Delta State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, lawmakers from both the National and State Assemblies, commissioners, local government chairmen, and other party leaders and stakeholders. This defection marks a historic turning point in Delta State politics—it's the first time since 1999 that both a sitting governor and a former governor have simultaneously exited the PDP for another party. With this development, Delta State enters a new political chapter, as the once-solid PDP stronghold experiences what many see as a strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership following the defection of key political stakeholders in Delta State from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a post on X on Wednesday, Keyamo praised Tinubu’s guidance shortly after Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his commissioners declared their move to the APC. The minister also shared a video showing the governor and his cabinet singing "On Your Mandate," a political anthem linked to President Tinubu. He wrote: “Today is the day the Lord has made in Delta State. Finally, finally Delta is APC! Thank you, Mr. President for your leadership that has attracted the best to our Party. Thank you, my leader & Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori for your foresight and courage in taking this bold decision.” Similarly, Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State and Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 election, has confirmed his defection to the APC. While announcing the development, Senator James Manager said, “All PDP members in the state, including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC. We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said. Traditionally, Delta State is one of the PDP strongholds; however, Governor Sheriff, his predecessor and his cabinet members’ defection underscores the political shift and the collapse of the PDP in the state.

In a major political shake-up, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party. The switch was confirmed after a closed-door meeting held Wednesday evening at the Government House in Asaba. Speaking via phone, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, explained that the move followed “extensive consultations with political stakeholders” and was driven by the Governor’s commitment to “Delta’s long-term development.” Oborevwori, who secured the governorship under the PDP in the 2023 elections, was warmly welcomed into the APC by senior party figures. Political analysts view the defection as a calculated move that could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, signaling a potential realignment of power in the South-South region.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The South-South Zonal Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday dissolved the Bayelsa State Working Committee led by Solomon Agwanana and replaced the Edo State Caretaker Committee headed by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi. Following a meeting at the PDP South-South zonal secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the zonal leadership—chaired by National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih—cited gross misconduct, poor performance, and mishandling of internal crises as reasons for the changes. New caretaker committees have been installed to run both state chapters for the next three months. Despite opposition from the party’s National Working Committee, the Orbih-led zonal team, reportedly backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, pushed forward with the shake-up. Earlier on April 16, 2025, Orbih donated a new party secretariat to the Edo PDP and cautioned the Aziegbemi-led group against claiming leadership status. Many see the move as politically driven, as Agwanana was replaced by George Turnah—a known Wike ally and organiser of an upcoming rally for President Bola Tinubu and Wike—as Bayelsa’s caretaker chairman. In Edo, Aziegbemi was succeeded by Nosa Ogieva, with Chief Sunny Okomayin appointed deputy chairman and Hillary Otsu named secretary. A statement issued by Zonal Publicity Secretary Etim Isong said the restructuring was intended to stabilise and reposition the party ahead of future elections, especially in the wake of what it described as a “woeful outing” in the last Edo governorship election. “The decision to set up caretaker committees for both states follows the dissolution of the Bayelsa State Working Committee and the Edo State Caretaker Committee due to various acts of gross misconduct by the dissolved executives—acts that clearly breached the party’s constitution—as well as the party’s poor performance in the last Edo governorship election and the mishandling of internal crises in both states,” the statement read. The statement noted that the zonal committee reached its decisions after thoroughly reviewing recent developments in both states, citing relevant sections of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), including Articles 10(1)(f)(g)(k), 10(4), 26(2)(a), 27(2)(a&b), 58(1)(a)(c)(i)(j), and 59(1)(f). In Bayelsa, the newly constituted caretaker committee includes Tony Gabriel as deputy chairman; former Ijaw Youth Council spokesman Ebilade Ekerefe as secretary; Didi Werilaghebofa as vice chairman (Central); Andy Majors, vice chairman (East); Evelyn Bolouebi Odi, vice chairman (West); and Biobelemoye Ogoniwari as treasurer. For Edo State, Ehisota Oriakhi was named vice chairman (Central), Richard Ehimigbai as vice chairman (North), and Benjamin Ehinlebodiaye as treasurer.