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Nine Senators Defect to ADC in Senate Shake-Up

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Nine senators on Thursday announced their defection from various political parties to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a development that has altered the composition of the Senate.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letters of defection during plenary.
Among those who defected is Aminu Tambuwal, senator representing Sokoto South, who moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC.

Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia South, also joined the ADC after leaving the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra Central, defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the ADC, citing the ongoing leadership crisis within the party.

In his letter, Umeh said the decision followed extensive consultations with his family, constituents, and supporters.
“I have taken this decision after wide consultations with my family, constituents and supporters in view of the lingering divisions in the leadership and unending litigations pervading the entirety of the Labour Party in Nigeria,” he said.

Ogoshi Onawo, senator representing Nasarawa South, also left the PDP for the ADC, stating that his move was driven by his commitment to democratic values and good governance.

“My defection is principally informed by my commitment to promoting the tenets of democracy, strengthening the ideals of a vibrant multi-party system and joining hands with well-meaning Nigerians who are committed to advancing good governance, national unity and sustainable development,” Onawo said.

Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), defected from the Labour Party to the ADC.

Others who joined the ADC include Austin Akobundu, senator representing Abia Central, who left the PDP; Tony Nwoye, senator representing Anambra North, who defected from the Labour Party; Binos Yaroe, senator representing Adamawa South, who also left the PDP; and Lawal Adamu Usman, senator representing Kaduna Central, who moved from the PDP.

In his letter, Usman said his decision was aimed at advancing the democratic and developmental aspirations of his constituents.

“I have resolved to align with the African Democratic Congress in order to continue to effectively pursue the democratic aspirations and developmental interests of the people,” he said.

Following the defections, the composition of the Senate now stands at: All Progressives Congress (APC) — 85 seats; African Democratic Congress (ADC) — 9; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — 8; New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) — 1; National Democratic Coalition (NDC) — 1; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) — 1; and Social Democratic Party (SDP) — 1.

Three Senate seats remain vacant following the deaths of Barinada Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East; Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North; and Okey Ezea, who represented Enugu North.

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2027: Obi Unsure of ADC Presidential Ticket, Emphasises Commitment to ‘Cause’

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Peter Obi
Peter Obi
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Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said he is uncertain about securing the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in a video circulating on social media, Obi told supporters that his focus remains on a broader political mission rather than personal ambition, noting that there is no guarantee he will emerge as the party’s flagbearer.

“I cannot be certain that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. What matters is that we are committed to a cause,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor reflected on Nigeria’s current political climate, questioning how the situation evolved and the potential consequences if ongoing reform efforts are abandoned.

“I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project,” he added.
Obi also reaffirmed his commitment to his ideals despite reported threats, while expressing appreciation to his supporters for their continued loyalty.

“It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.

He, however, raised concerns over the uncertainty of political alliances, warning about the possibility of shifting loyalties among stakeholders.
“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.

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Ogun Lawmakers Back Tinubu’s 2027 Bid, Endorse Adeola for Governor

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Senator Solomon Adeola and President Bola Tinubu
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No fewer than 20 members of the Ogun State House of Assembly have declared support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing his administration’s economic reforms and infrastructure development as key achievements.

The endorsement, announced on Wednesday in Abeokuta, aligns with an earlier position taken by the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Governor Dapo Abiodun and other party stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, the Majority Leader, Hon. Sherrif Yusuf, said the decision reflects confidence in the President’s efforts to stabilise the economy and expand critical infrastructure nationwide.

According to Yusuf, the administration has made notable progress in fiscal reforms and road development connecting key economic corridors, adding that continuity would help consolidate ongoing gains.

The lawmakers also unanimously endorsed the governorship ambition of Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, describing him as an experienced legislator with a strong record of performance and commitment to public service.

Yusuf highlighted Adeola’s contributions in the National Assembly, including leadership roles in strategic committees and advocacy for development projects and empowerment initiatives across Ogun State.

In addition, the Assembly members expressed support for Governor Abiodun’s future political aspirations beyond his current tenure, noting that his administrative experience and governance record position him for higher responsibilities.

The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to the APC, pledging continued support for leaders whose policies and vision align with the aspirations of the people of Ogun State and Nigeria.

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Aduda Defects to APC, Pledges Abuja Win for Tinubu in 2027

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Senator Philip Aduda at that APC National Secretariat Abuja
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Former Senate Minority Leader, Philip Tanimu Aduda, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the 2027 general elections.

Aduda was formally received into the APC on Tuesday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, where the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, handed him the party’s insignia in the presence of key members of the National Working Committee and supporters.

Welcoming the former lawmaker, Yilwatda described the APC as Nigeria’s leading progressive platform, highlighting ongoing economic reforms and major infrastructure projects under Tinubu’s administration. He pointed to the Sokoto–Badagry road project as a strategic corridor expected to boost agriculture, commerce, and national connectivity, adding that recent policies have strengthened the non-oil sector and improved the country’s trade balance.

Explaining his decision, Aduda said his defection was informed by “alignment and realignment,” citing what he described as visible development strides in the FCT. He commended Tinubu for granting the territory autonomy from the Treasury Single Account and establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission, moves he said have enhanced career progression for civil servants.

“I was in the minority for nearly seven years and couldn’t secure a ministerial slot for the FCT. This President has recognised us and given us representation in the Federal Executive Council,” Aduda stated.

He dismissed opposition parties in the territory as weak, expressing confidence that the APC would dominate the FCT in 2027. He also referenced the party’s performance in recent area council elections, where it secured five out of six councils, as evidence of its growing political strength.

Also speaking, FCT APC Chairman, Abdulmalik Usman, described Aduda as a political heavyweight whose defection would significantly boost the party’s electoral prospects. He noted that the APC is well-positioned to mobilise over 1.7 million registered voters in the FCT ahead of the next general elections.

The high-profile defection is expected to reshape political alignments in Abuja, as parties begin early strategic positioning for the 2027 polls.

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