Politics
Edo South Enigie and Ohen Back APC Candidate Okpebholo

In a notable display of unity, the Enigie (Dukes) and Ohen from various deities loyal to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, have endorsed Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, for the upcoming election.
The endorsement was announced by Comrade Orobosa Omo-Ojo, Director of Publicity for the APC Edo Governorship Campaign Council. The decision was made during a meeting between Edo South APC leaders and Benin Palace officials on August 25, 2024, in Benin City.
His Royal Highness Festus Osagiede, Enogie of Iguogie Dukedom in Ovia North East Local Government Area and coordinator of Enigie in Edo South, led the endorsement. He explained that the support for Senator Okpebholo and his running mate, Dennis Idahosa, was driven by a commitment to uphold the dignity of the Benin Palace and its king.
“We are firmly behind the APC,” Osagiede declared. “As loyal children of the Oba of Benin, we respect the palace and will not allow anyone to undermine it. Governor Godwin Obaseki has previously used some Enigie to attack the palace, but we refuse to tolerate such disrespect.”
Osagiede emphasized that despite Governor Obaseki’s substantial power and immunity, it pales in comparison to the reverence for Oba Ewuare. He expressed the collective resolve of the Enigie to support candidates who will contribute to the development of Edo State and honor the Oba’s legacy.
In his statement, Osagiede drew on the legendary strength of ‘Akpakomiza,’ expressing confidence that Senator Okpebholo, also known by this moniker, would be a vigorous advocate for the Benin people. “With ‘Akpakomiza’ back, he will fight this battle for us! Oba ghato Okpere,” he affirmed.
This endorsement signifies a significant shift in political dynamics in Edo South as the APC prepares for the forthcoming elections.
Politics
Lagos Assembly Crisis: ‘No plan to defect to Labour Party’ — Lawmakers

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have denied allegations of defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Labour Party.
In a statement signed by Mr. Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, the Assembly members refuted rumors circulating online, claiming that 25 members were planning to leave APC for an unnamed political party. A similar claim surfaced recently, suggesting that 27 members were considering joining the Labour Party due to leadership disputes within the Assembly.
Ogundipe stated that these claims had been unequivocally refuted, with members expressing their unwavering commitment to APC and their confidence in resolving internal issues through established party mechanisms.
“To avoid any confusion, no APC member of the Lagos State House of Assembly is considering defection. As true progressives, we acknowledge that challenges may arise, but we remain committed to addressing them through democratic and lawful processes,” he said.
He added that the party leadership is fully engaged, and any outstanding issues would be resolved amicably. Ogundipe urged the public to disregard the baseless reports designed to mislead and create unnecessary tension.
“We reaffirm our loyalty to the leader of our party and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Ogundipe concluded, emphasizing that the Lagos State House of Assembly would continue focusing on its legislative duties, enacting laws that promote the development of Lagos State.
Finally, he advised those spreading falsehoods to desist, reaffirming the Assembly’s dedication to its legislative mandate.
Politics
Atiku Abubakar Denies Plans to Leave PDP for New Political Party

The media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting that he is preparing to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for another political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released in Abuja on Saturday, Atiku’s camp described the rumors as baseless and misleading.
“We have observed that some news platforms are peddling unverified information that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is abandoning the Peoples Democratic Party,” the statement read.
The former vice president’s media team clarified that Atiku remains committed to the PDP and is actively working on forming a broad coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
“Atiku is advocating a robust coalition that would accommodate all opposition parties – the PDP inclusive,” the statement added. “It is fallacious and unfounded to allege that the Waziri is jumping the PDP ship.”
The statement further emphasized that Atiku’s focus remains on uniting opposition forces to “rescue Nigeria from the grip of the APC.”
Atiku, who was the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has been vocal about the need for a strong opposition alliance to counter what he describes as the failures of the current administration.
The media office urged Nigerians to disregard speculations about Atiku’s defection, reaffirming that he remains a committed member of the PDP.
Politics
Anambra guber: Concerns over PDP aspirants’ inability to pick forms

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially adopted the indirect primary method for selecting its candidate for the November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election. This decision was announced by the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, after a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting held at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
Bashiru stated that the decision aligns with the position of the Anambra State chapter of the APC. He also confirmed that the Abdullahi Ganduje-led NWC will meet with aspirants and stakeholders next Tuesday to finalize the modalities for the primary. Dismissing speculations that the party had already endorsed a preferred candidate, Bashiru emphasized that all seven aspirants remain in contention.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing concerns over its inability to attract aspirants for the Anambra governorship race. With the deadline for the sale of nomination forms fast approaching, no candidate has yet purchased the party’s N40 million expression of interest and nomination forms.
The PDP had recently expressed confidence in reclaiming Anambra, following a peaceful zonal congress in Enugu, where party leaders unanimously re-elected the Ali Odefa-led executive. However, reports indicate that high costs and internal crises within the party are discouraging aspirants.
With uncertainty surrounding the PDP, aspirants are now turning to alternative platforms such as the APC, Labour Party (LP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for their governorship ambitions.
As the election race intensifies, political observers will be watching to see how the PDP resolves its internal challenges and whether the APC’s chosen primary process will unify or divide its ranks.
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