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Tag: Political Defection

  • Former Dawakin Tofa Council Chairman Backs Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf Amid Defection Talks

    Former Dawakin Tofa Council Chairman Backs Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf Amid Defection Talks

    Former Chairman of Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, Honourable Ado Tambai Kwa, has expressed support for Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, amid ongoing political discussions about a possible defection from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In a statement issued to journalists in Kano on Wednesday evening, Kwa said the governor’s reported move to the ruling party reflects what he described as a willingness to work across political lines in the interest of the people of Kano State. He called on political stakeholders and residents to set aside partisan differences, stressing the need for unity and cooperation to advance governance and development in the state.

    According to Kwa, Kano stands to benefit from a more cohesive political environment, which he said could strengthen democratic practices and promote sustainable development. He urged residents to support Governor Yusuf’s administration, regardless of party affiliation, and to focus on collective efforts aimed at improving governance outcomes and social cohesion.

    Kwa also reaffirmed his continued support for the governor’s leadership, expressing optimism that Kano State would experience improved development through collaboration and political stability.There has been no official confirmation from the Kano State Government or the governor regarding any change in party affiliation at the time of filing this report.

  • North-Central APC Forum Says Yilwatda Has No Power to Stop Muftwang’s Defection

    North-Central APC Forum Says Yilwatda Has No Power to Stop Muftwang’s Defection

    By Israel Adamu, Jos

    The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has declared that the party’s national chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has no authority to block Plateau State Governor Caleb Muftwang from defecting to the APC.The Forum’s position comes amid growing disagreements within the Plateau APC over reported plans by Muftwang to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling party.The controversy intensified after Plateau APC stakeholders, at an October 17, 2025 meeting, endorsed a motion moved by former Deputy National Secretary, Barrister Festus Fuanter, rejecting Muftwang’s potential defection.The Forum alleged that Yilwatda—who contested against Muftwang in the 2023 governorship election—is behind efforts to mobilise opposition against the governor’s entry into the party.In a statement issued on Tuesday, Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, criticised the national chairman’s actions, describing them as a misuse of office and contrary to the APC constitution.

    According to Zazzaga, only Muftwang’s ward in Mangu Local Government Area has the constitutional right to admit him into the APC.“The national chairman of the party has no role in determining whether Governor Caleb Muftwang can join the APC,” the statement said. “It is only his ward in Mangu that has the right to admit him. The national chairman should stop sponsoring groups to protest or issue statements against the governor. Such actions only bring embarrassment to the office he occupies.”

    Zazzaga further alleged that Yilwatda’s opposition stems from political rivalry and his plan to contest the governorship again in 2027.He accused the national chairman of lacking the leadership capacity expected of his position and failing to earn the confidence of party members.“The national chairman needs to learn how to conduct himself as a political leader. Party members are not willing to identify with him because they know he lacks the capacity to lead,” he claimed.The Forum said Muftwang has yet to officially join the APC because he is still consulting, not because of resistance from Yilwatda’s camp.It added that the governor enjoys broad support across Plateau State, which would follow him into any political decision he makes.“

    For over two years we have been trying to convince Muftwang to join the APC,” Zazzaga said. “He is still consulting, but Yilwatda has no right to stop him. The people of Plateau have embraced him because of his developmental efforts and commitment to protecting the state’s heritage.”The Forum insisted that attempts to block Muftwang violate the APC constitution and called on the party’s Mangu Ward chapter to publicly invite the governor to join.It also alleged that Yilwatda is attempting to intimidate members pushing for Muftwang’s defection, including threats to revoke their membership certificates.“His actions cannot stop the governor if he decides to join today,” the statement added. “The people of Plateau State know both of them, which is why they chose Muftwang over Yilwatda in 2023. Even the leaders Yilwatda believes are behind him are actually with Muftwang.”The Forum maintained that it would not be silenced and that it remains committed to welcoming Muftwang into the APC if he chooses to

  • Kogi Assembly Suspends Ibaji Council Chairman Over Alleged Misconduct

    Kogi Assembly Suspends Ibaji Council Chairman Over Alleged Misconduct

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Kogi State House of Assembly has suspended the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area, Emmanuel Onuche, over alleged acts of gross misconduct said to have tarnished the image of the state.

    The suspension was announced during plenary on Wednesday in Lokoja, where the Assembly directed Onuche to hand over the affairs of the council to his Vice Chairman, Victoria Okolo, pending the outcome of an investigation.

    Lawmakers noted that an effective probe into the allegations against the embattled chairman would not be possible while he remained in office.

    During the session, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, constituted a five-member investigative committee to look into the allegations. The committee is chaired by Hon. Bode Ogunmola, while other members include Hon. Ishaya Omotayo Adeleye (Ijumu), Hon. Asema Baba Haruna (Adavi), Hon. Anthony Ujah (Olamaboro), and Hon. Bin-Ebaiya Shehu Tijani (Lokoja I). Muhammed Bello was appointed as the clerk of the committee.

    The committee has been given one month to submit its findings and recommendations to the House for further action.

    Meanwhile, three lawmakers in the Kogi State House of Assembly have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the same plenary session.

    Those who announced their defection include Hon. Bode Ogunmola (formerly of the PDP, representing Ogori/Magongo), Hon. Idowu Ibikunle (formerly of the ADC, representing Yagba East), and Hon. Sunday Daku (formerly of the PDP, representing Bassa).

    Their defection further consolidates the ruling APC’s majority status in the state legislature.

    The House has adjourned sitting to allow the investigative committee to commence work on the allegations against the Ibaji Council Chairman.

  • Jonathan’s Former Aide, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, Defects to APC, Declares Support for Gov. Diri

    Jonathan’s Former Aide, Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, Defects to APC, Declares Support for Gov. Diri

    By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

    A former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters and Social Events to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Hon. Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State.

    Dudafa, who previously served as a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, announced his defection in a statement issued to journalists in Yenagoa, the state capital, on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

    In a resignation letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Southern Opokuma/Ayibabiri Ward 8 in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area, Dudafa expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunities it provided him over the past 25 years. He acknowledged that his political growth—from serving as a state legislator between 2003 and 2007 to holding national appointments—was largely shaped by the party.

    Describing his decision as “difficult but necessary,” Dudafa said he chose to leave the PDP to align with Governor Douye Diri’s developmental vision for a more prosperous Bayelsa.

    “My decision to join the APC is driven by my commitment to the progress of Bayelsa and Nigeria as a whole,” Dudafa stated. “This move marks a new chapter of service and dedication to the people.”

    Until his defection, Dudafa served as an elected delegate representing Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area at the PDP’s forthcoming National Convention slated for November 14, 2025.

    Despite his switch to the APC, the former presidential aide urged his supporters to remain loyal to Governor Diri and the Prosperity Government, expressing confidence in the governor’s leadership and commitment to advancing the welfare of Bayelsans.

    Political analysts in Bayelsa have described the defection as a significant political development, suggesting that Dudafa’s entry into the APC could strengthen the party’s structure and influence in the state ahead of future elections.

    Dudafa’s defection adds to the growing list of high-profile political realignments in Bayelsa, highlighting the state’s shifting political dynamics as both major parties—PDP and APC—intensify efforts to consolidate their support bases.

    The former lawmaker reaffirmed his readiness to work with APC leaders to advance policies that promote unity, development, and economic growth in Bayelsa.

    “My focus remains service to the people and contributing to a Bayelsa where opportunities and prosperity are accessible to all,” he added.

    Observers note that Dudafa’s move could influence grassroots political mobilization, particularly in the Kolokuma-Opokuma area, where he maintains strong political connections.