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Osun: PDP thugs attack APC campaign office in Ilesa

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… to Speaker attacked, hospitalised

…Party has returned Ijesa land to dark age of violence, thuggery – fmr commissioner 

…appeals to President Buhari to wade in

 

The immediate past Commissioner of Works and Transport in Osun, Engr. Remi Omowaye’s campaign office in llesa was attacked by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP thugs in the earlier hours of Sunday.

There were signs of gunshots at different places within the premises of the office, as the main door, glass windows, billboards and flags of the All Progressives Congress (APC) among other items were seriously damaged.

Similarly, another set of PDP thugs, led by one Sunday Amure a.k.a Irawo, also attacked the Chief of Staff to Osun State Speaker, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, Hon. Sunkanmi Obisesan.

He was attacked at Ifofin, in Ilesa, on Sunday afternoon. He has been rushed to Wesley  Hospital, Ilesa, following the injury he sustained from the attack.

The attacks came less than 24 hours after the PDP-led government was accused of fine-tuning plans to unleash violence on Oyetola’s men.

Recall that Omowaye, few days ago, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt launched on him and his supporters in Ilesa.

Addressing journalists shortly after his on-the-spot inspection of the scene, the former Commissioner described the attack as diabolic and inhumane, saying it is unfortunate that such ugly incidence had been launched twice on his person and property within two weeks.

Omowaye decried the incessant attacks on members of the APC since the inception of the PDP-led government in the State.

He said: “Just two weeks ago, there was an assassination attempt on me. And just yesterday, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola branched over in Ilesa on his way from the Presidential Campaign rally of our party in Akure to attend the sensitisation programme that I convened to educate our members on certain things as regards the forthcoming general elections.

“And to our amazement, we got here this morning to see that this place has been riddled with bullets. This is happening twice in two weeks. It is so shocking that this is happening. We have reported severally to the security agencies, but nothing has been done. We thank God that no life was lost. We have reported again to the police this morning and this is just to show clearly that PDP is known for violence.

“A lot of people are dying, a lot of people have been attacked. I was just lucky to have survived an assassination attack about two weeks ago, if anybody had been here, there would have been a lot of casualties.

“So far, over 10 persons have been killed that are traceable to the activities of these people. And we are not surprise it is happening. As a government, PDP-led administration has a notorious killer, who had been declared wanted by the Police as a member of its Security Committee.”

Omowaye called on President Muhammad Buhari through the Inspector General of Police and heads of other security agencies to come to the aid of the people of the State before things get out of control.

“We are appealing to President Muhammad Buhari through the Inspector General of Police to avert this incessant attacks on our people.

“There is no doubt in the fact that PDP is taking us to the dark age where thuggery is the order of the day and we are also calling on the people of Ijesaland to remain calm and should know that the PDP and Governor Adeleke are known for thuggery. The PDP should allow us do our opposition in peace.

“I have written a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Director General, Department of State Services and other sister agencies. Even when there was an attack on my person, they were all here.

“Adeleke should face governance and stop attacking us. When they were in the opposition for twelve years, nobody attacked them, they too should stop attacking our people”, Omowaye added.

Similarly, member House of Representatives representing Ijesa-south Federal Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni, has expressed displeasure over the incidence, saying no effort would be spared to bring the perpetrators to book.

 

Ayeni who lamented the incessant attacks on the people of the State particularly in Ijesaland said on no account will he fold his arms for his constituents to be molested and attacked by hoodlums.

 

He vowed to take the security challenge in the State to the National Assembly as a matter of public importance soon as the House resumes.

“It is unfortunate that this is still happening in spite the steps taken to avert reoccurrence having sent a copy of petition to Inspector General of Police as well as the Police Commissioner and the DPO informing them on the planned attack on the members of the APC.

“I want to place on record, as the legislator, representing the good people of Ijesa-south Federal Constituency regardless of socioeconomic and political differences, that I am conscious of whatever happens here, as I condemn in its totality, the attack on the person and office of the immediate past Commissioner of Works.

“It is shocking that for the past three weeks, the entire Ijesaland of six local government areas has been turned to battle field. Go to Igangan or Iwara, nearly all the people have deserted the areas due to incessant attack on them.

“I have reported the matter, I don’t know if they are working on it, but as at today, nothing has been done on it. If the security personnel have been able to declare those miscreants wanted, maybe it would have helped to halt it. But they are still walking freely on the streets, which means something is wrong somewhere.

“I am imploring our people not to be intimidated, we know that the perpetrators of this inimical acts are looking for a way to scare them by creating unnecessary fears as we are approaching the elections period.

“I am calling on the federal government to see to this before it snowball into anarchy whereby everyone will be forced to defend himself or herself.

“Though I have met with the stakeholders particularly the paramount ruler, Owa Obokun of Ijesaland and other leaders on this matter where some of our party leaders and that of the PDP were invited to a meeting to allow peace to reign not knowing that they (PDP) will still still continue attacking our people.

“I am not going to relent, I am going to write another petition to heads of the security agencies and as well meet with the major stakeholders in Ijesaland while I await the resumption date of the House to formally raise a motion informing the House as a matter of public urgent importance so that Nigerians will know what’s happening in my Constituency”, Ayeni added.

 

 

 

 

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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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