Politics
Defection: Saraki, Ortom,Tambuwal, Ahmed and others, a replica of 2014.
JUST like yesterday when the crisis rocking the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which was extended to the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) chaired by Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state.
The federal government led by Dr Goodluck Jonathan believed to be supporting the then Governor of Plateau state, Jonah Jang as factional chairman all in the interest of second term ambition of President Jonathan.
Saraki can’t run to PDP with our crown – Oshiomhole, APC Senators
The development prompted pro Amaechi to form New PDP, a formidable force under the party and later extended to the members of National Assembly.
When the negotiations for mega party that comprises Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party, (ANPP), Congress For Progressive Change (CPC) and factional group from All Grand Peoples Alliance (AGPA) began, it was with the aim and mandate of taken over from PDP led federal government at all cost.
Exclusive: Oyo govt increases subvention to tertiary institutions
After series of meeting with stakeholders of all political parties involved which later gave birth to a new political party called All Progressives Congress (APC)
Immediately after the formation of APC, some Governors,Senators, Federal and State lawmakers under the aegis of nPDP decamped to APC making the progressive fold much stronger.
With more defections rocking the PDP then, APC became formidable opposition party with high hope and expectations
In the build up to 2015 elections, APC held its registration exercise across the country followed by wards, local and state congresses and National convention where former Governor of Edo state, Chief John Odigie Oyegun was elected as Party’s National Chairman who took over from Osun state former Governor, Chief Bisi Akande as Acting Chairman.
In fact it was a real war when the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal announced his defection from PDP to APC at the floor of the house despite the majority group of PDP.
To some politicians then, the defection of Waziri Tambuwal, Bukola Saraki, Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed, Rotimi Amaechi, Muritala Nyako and others was seen as a welcome development to the APC; but how do we describe the defection of some of them to the PDP?
Although, prior to the 2015 general elections, some political scientists and analysts have predicted that merger of the three political parties is a marriage of inconvenient when considering the calibers of people that formed the party.
According to observers of Nigeria political scene, it is only in this country that political scenario always recycling.
Fore Instance in 2014, defection gale heated the PDP when former Bauchi state Governor, Alhaji Adamu Muazu was elected as the National chairman of the party and this also occurred in APC after the emergence of immediate past Governor of Edo state, Comrade Adams Oshiomole as APC National Chairman.
It is unfortunate that Nigeria civilian rule will be 20 years of uninterrupted, yet
some of the politicians in the country lacks political ideology.
Defection: Buhari is in pain over Saraki, Tambuwal, Kwankwaso’s exits – R-APC
Now that some political gladiators in APC have defected to PDP, the next line of action is for the party to intensify more efforts in its strategy, especially in its reconciliation process.
PDP on the other hands, should not see defection of Saraki and others as something to capitalise on and forget those who stood with the party during trying period.
If they do so, I am sorry, it may be the biggest blow ever in PDP.
With few months to the 2019 general elections and his defection from ruling party to opposition will Senate President Bukola Saraki and his colleagues retained their juicy positions and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara eventually decamped to PDP who will control the affairs of the house?
If the two legislative chambers are controlled by the opposition party only God knows what will be the faith of this country under hide and seek game of politics by our political gladiators.
By Akinyode Ishola
(Mega Icon Magazine Political Desk)
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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