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Osun Guber Poll: ‘You’ve paid your dues, you shall be returned’, Aragbiji, Olona of Ada, others assure Oyetola

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Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and others
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…as Campaign Council trail moves to Ifelodun Federal Constituency

…welcomes 500 PDP defectors in Boripe

Monarchs in Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Osun have lauded the State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola’s outstanding performance in the last three and half years, saying that he had paid his dues and deserves to be returned to office.

The royal fathers particularly acknowledged how Governor Oyetola has been able to successfully manage the affairs of the State notwithstanding the various challenges, describing it as a mark of genius.

They made the remarks on Monday when the Campaign trail of the governor moved to Boripe and Ifelodun Local Government Areas of the State.

This is even as over 500 supporters of the opposition People’s Democratic Party loyalists defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in Boripe Local Government Area of the State.

In his remark, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, declared the town’s firm support for Oyetola, adding that it was not on the basis of sentiment but strictly based on his achievements across sectors.

The revered traditional ruler assured of the readiness of his subjects to vote massively for the Governor, noting that eligible sons and daughters of the town have been largely mobilised for the purpose.

According to Oba Olabomi: “You have contributed greatly to the development of the State. You have paid your dues, and you shall by God’s grace, be returned to office for another term.

“We knew how Osun was when you came on board. We never knew it would be this easy, but with your native intelligence, administrative acumen and corporate intellect, you have successfully galvanised the limited resources and navigated the state through difficult times against all odds.

“We have seen your modest achievements across sectors. As far as our Local Government is concerned, we are firmly ready and determined to ensure your return. You have never undermined us for any reason. And it is time for us to pay you back by voting massively for you in the election. By the grace of God, you will emerge victorious,” Aragbiji said.

Similarly, the Olona of Ada, Oba Oyeyode Olumuyiwa Ojo, and Olororuwo of Ororuwo, Oba Qamarudeen Adeyanju, disclosed that all towns and villages in their domains are committed to reciprocating the kind gestures of Governor Oyetola towards them as evidenced by the different interventions of his administration.

They said they had mobilised their subjects to embrace Oyetola’s re-election as a personal project, saying a win for Oyetola is a victory for the natives of all the towns and villages in the local government.

The traditional rulers who showered encomiums and prayers on the Governor for living up to his constitutional responsibilities since assumption of office, said the time has come to reciprocate the gesture in due course.

In the same vein, the Elende of Eko-Ende, Oba Abdul-Rauf Olaniyan, Eburu of Iba, Oba Adekunle Okunoye, Olobaagun of Obaagun, Oba Jimoh Adebisi Okunade and Eesa of Ikirun, High Chief Kareem Adetoyese Lawal reaffirmed their unalloyed support for the re-election of Governor Oyetola.

Addressing the mammoth crowd at the campaign venues, Oyetola appreciated the people of Osun for their support for his administration, saying the tremendous achievements his government had recorded so far were through the help of God and the support of the people.

He assured that if re-elected, his second term would be more rewarding and resourceful, saying his first term was a foundation for a brighter future.

Oyetola urged citizens who are yet to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to do so, to enable them exercise their civic duty during the forthcoming governorship election.

The State Chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Prince Gboyega Famodun, called on the people of the Councils to troop out en masse and vote for APC come July 16.

He urged the party and community leaders across the federal Constituency to begin a mobilisation exercise and ensure that their indigenes living outside but registered at home are encouraged to come home and vote.

The APC State Chairman who commended the people of the Constituency for their continued support for the Governor all along said it is expected of them to replicate same before, during and after the governorship election.

Similarly, the Director General of  Governor Oyetola Re-election Campaign Council, Senator Ajibola Basiru, reeled out some of the achievements of Governor Oyetola and urged the people of the Constituency to get him re-elected.

Speaking on behalf of over 500 defectors across Boripe Local Government Area, Hon. Sola Adejumo popularly known as (Prince O) and Hon. Isa Bello attributed their defection to the convincing way and manner at which Governor Oyetola has been managing the affairs of the State.

They assured their readiness to support the Governor and vote massively for him in the next governorship election since they have returned home and to the party they belong.

 

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Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Set to Join APC on Monday as Tinubu, Party Leaders Prepare Grand Welcome

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Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri
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Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, is poised to officially defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, in what is shaping up to be one of the most significant political realignments in Nigeria’s South-South region since 2023.

According to Party sources, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC governors, and members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) are expected to be on hand to formally receive the Bayelsa governor into the ruling party during a high-profile ceremony.

Information has it that Diri, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15, has been in discreet negotiations with key APC figures to finalize his move. The talks, described as “strategic and delicate,” reportedly centered on ensuring a smooth integration of Diri’s political bloc into the APC’s structure in Bayelsa State.

A senior APC insider revealed that the delay in announcing the defection was deliberate, designed to “ensure seamless alignment and prevent internal friction within the state chapter,” particularly as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political observers see Diri’s defection as a major coup for the APC, marking a significant expansion of its influence in the oil-rich South-South, a region that has historically remained a stronghold of the PDP.

The governor’s move also underscores President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to consolidate political dominance nationwide, with several former opposition leaders recently defecting to the ruling party.

With Diri’s entry, analysts say the political landscape in Bayelsa — and the broader Niger Delta — could experience a dramatic shift, potentially reshaping alliances and strategies ahead of the next election cycle.

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TINUBU HANDS OVER TARABA GOVERNOR AGBU KEFAS TO APC CHAIRMAN AHEAD OF DEFECTION

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Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally handed over Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, for proper induction into the ruling party, marking a major political realignment in the North-East region.

Governor Kefas disclosed this on Thursday during a meeting with APC youths and stakeholders held at the T.Y. Danjuma House in Abuja. He revealed that President Tinubu had personally endorsed his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC and had introduced him to the party’s national leadership for formal integration.

According to Kefas, the President not only welcomed his move but also described it as a step toward strengthening collaboration between the federal government and Taraba State. Preparations, he said, were already underway for his formal reception into the APC in Taraba, where he would be officially unveiled to party members and supporters.

Speaking after the meeting, Comrade Abubakar Gembo, a prominent APC youth leader, described Governor Kefas’s planned defection as a “major political boost” for the ruling party in Taraba State.

“Governor Kefas informed us of his readiness to join our great party, the APC. He told us he had met with President Tinubu, who received him warmly and handed him over to the national chairman,” Gembo said.

He added that the governor assured youths of inclusiveness and continued empowerment, stressing that Kefas had maintained a youth-friendly governance style even while serving under the PDP platform.

 

Similarly, Idris Ayuba, Chairman of the APC Youth Vanguard, Taraba State chapter, confirmed that arrangements for the governor’s defection had been concluded at the national level. According to him, only the formal reception ceremonies at the ward, local government, and state levels were pending.

 

Ayuba called on party members and supporters to rally behind the governor, describing him as a leader committed to youth development, education, and inclusive governance.

 

In a separate statement, the Vanguard’s Publicity Secretary, Rikwense Muri, affirmed the development, noting that Governor Kefas had met with key APC youth leaders and political influencers to strategize on building a united front capable of driving accelerated development in Taraba.

 

“Governor Kefas said Taraba can no longer afford to remain isolated from the mainstream of national politics. He explained that his decision to realign politically was motivated by the need to drive greater development, enhance security, and attract more federal presence to the state,” Muri said.

 

The governor was further quoted as saying, “I am guided by the need to put Taraba first. Our state must take its rightful place in national development, and that can only happen when we work hand in hand with the centre.”

 

APC youth stakeholders applauded the governor’s decision, commending his courage, pragmatism, and foresight in prioritising the interests of Tarabians over partisan affiliations.

 

Governor Agbu Kefas was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has governed Taraba State since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. His defection, observers say, could signal a major shift in the political landscape of the North-East, where the APC continues to strengthen its foothold.

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APC Targets Four Opposition Governors in Major Political Realignment Ahead of 2027 Elections

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised for a major political shake-up as at least four sitting governors from opposition parties are reportedly in advanced talks to defect to the ruling party before the end of 2025

A move insiders say could further consolidate APC’s dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, APC’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), revealed the development in an exclusive interview, naming the governors of Plateau, Taraba, Rivers, and Abia (Labour Party) as those being courted by the party.

According to Arodiogbu, discussions with the governors have reached an advanced stage, and their defection to the ruling party is “highly possible” in the coming weeks.

“It is a possibility that the Plateau governor will join us, likewise his Taraba counterpart. We are also looking forward to receiving Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State into our midst,” Arodiogbu stated confidently.

He further hinted that the defections are expected to take place before the party’s congresses, stressing that the APC is positioning itself as the most organised and dominant political structure in the country.

“These are all high possibilities. We expect that to happen in the coming weeks before our congresses. Most of these defections should happen before the end of the year. Once they do, it will further confirm that the APC remains the dominant and most organised political platform in Nigeria,” he added.

Arodiogbu attributed the growing attraction to the APC to the party’s reform-driven leadership and its open-door policy, which he said have created an inclusive environment for dialogue and participation.

“The truth is that the APC has become a home for all progressives. We are not just expanding in numbers but in quality leadership. Many political leaders now see that this is the platform that offers stability, direction, and a clear vision for Nigeria’s democracy,” he explained.

The APC vice chairman also noted that the party’s leadership under the current national chairman has aligned closely with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which continues to define the party’s policy direction and national outreach.

“The national chairman has made it clear that the APC is not closing its doors to anyone. We are reaching out to people of goodwill who believe in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Arodiogbu affirmed.

Political observers believe that if the anticipated defections materialise, the APC’s numerical and strategic advantage will be further strengthened, giving it a significant edge as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

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