The All Progressives Congress, APC, has condemned the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for what it described as “mindless and unpatriotic” reactions to the recent military threat issued by US President Donald Trump against Nigeria.

APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, stated this on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.

Morka also criticized opposition parties for attempting to politicize the issue, calling their actions “irresponsible and despicable.”

He said the US government, led by Trump, must ensure that any decision or statement regarding Nigeria is based on accurate information. He warned that actions taken on the basis of false narratives could have far-reaching consequences for the entire West African region.

Morka noted that any military action against Nigeria could trigger instability across neighboring countries, stressing that cooperation between both nations was the best approach to combat terrorism.

He said: “But you see, whatever it is the United States government of which President Trump is leader has a responsibility to ensure that he gets the facts straight and right on this matter, because any decision or action that is predicated on false argument, or false narratives, what I call some conjured narratives about Nigeria, will not affect Nigeria alone. It will affect every other country within this region.

“Our borders are open if anything goes on in Nigeria, when Nigerians feel threatened by any kind of military action from the United States, look, all of the neighboring countries will be implicated in this specter of reaction and counter reaction.

“So I think that this is needless. We can tackle this problem more efficiently if the United States Government will partner with Nigeria to bring any support or assistance that they can muster to the theater to defeat terror that I know the United States stands vehemently opposed to.

“I think that beyond those who are manipulating the situation, for instance, look at the Nigerian opposition, why would ADC and the PDP, be issuing statements that are so mindlessly, unpatriotic. It’s wrong. I think there’s a time for national reckoning. There’s a time for politics. This is not a time for self serving.

“Senseless political noise making that is coming out of the opposition, the a country, a foreign country, is issuing a threat to conduct military action against our country, to probably even send boots on the ground, on the soil of the sovereign Nigeria and the political party thinks this is the moment to make a political capital. That is utterly irresponsible and despicable.”

The political temperature in Taraba State is no doubt heating up following fresh indications that Governor Agbu Kefas may be on the verge of making a major political move.

During a high level meeting with political stakeholders on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the T.Y Danjuma House in Jalingo, the state capital, the governor hinted that he would soon make public his decision on whether or not to join the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The gathering, which drew prominent figures across party lines, underscored the state’s increasingly fluid political landscape.

For many in attendance, the tone of governor Kefas’ remarks suggested that his consultations were nearing conclusion.

“In the coming days, I will make my intentions known to the people of Taraba,” he announced, his words drawing a hush over the packed hall.

Though the governor was careful not to make a direct declaration, his commendation of the APC for its “open door policy” toward new entrants added fuel to the growing speculation about his possible defection.

Governor Kefas emphasized that his political choices are guided by a single goal, building “a Taraba of everyone’s dreams.”

He stressed that unity, peace, and progress remain the pillars of his administration.

“Whatever direction we take, it will be for the greater good of our people. We must continue to live together in peace, regardless of political affiliations,” he said, striking a conciliatory tone.

The gathering, which many described as a bridge building effort, was observed to have also featured prominent APC figures who lauded the governor’s leadership style and inclusive governance.

Comrade Mustapha Salihu, the APC North East Zonal Chairman, who represented the party’s National Chairman, commended Kefas for prioritizing the welfare of Tarabans above politics.

“This meeting is about fostering unity across political divides. Governor Kefas has shown leadership that places the people first,” Salihu noted.

Echoing similar sentiments, the APC Deputy National Women Leader, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, showered encomium on the governor for reaching across political lines and hinted that the party would gladly receive him should he decide to join.

“Governor Kefas has demonstrated the kind of leadership our party values people-oriented and inclusive. The APC is ready to welcome him,” she said.

On his part, the Taraba State APC Chairman, Barrister Ibrahim Tukur Elsudi, applauded Kefas for cultivating a spirit of inclusiveness in governance.

“We urge the governor to continue on this path of fairness and inclusivity. It is what Taraba needs at this critical time,” Elsudi remarked.

As the governor prepares to make his position known, Taraba, according to political analysts, stands on the threshold of a possible political realignment that could redefine its alliances and reshape the state’s future ahead of 2027.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Women Leader in Kibiya Local Government Area, Hajiya Sabuwa Tarai, on Tuesday, led more than 100 party members from Tarai to defect to the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Director of Public Enlightenment at the Kano Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Balarabe Kiru, the defectors were received into the NNPP by the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Alhaji Adamu A. Kibiya.

Kiru stated that the group, led by Tarai, attributed their defection to the numerous development projects and initiatives implemented by Governor Yusuf’s administration.

“We are impressed by the numerous projects executed by Gov. Yusuf at the local government and state level,” Tarai said.

The commissioner welcomed the new members to the NNPP family, assuring them of equal treatment and urging them to unite and contribute to the party’s growth.

The Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the deployment of CP Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, to head election duty in Anambra State during the November 8 governorship election.

This was conveyed to journalists in a press release by the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

Ikenga, in the release, announced that Shogunle had already resumed as the Commissioner of Police to take charge of policing in the state for the forthcoming Anambra election.

Ikenga said: “Upon assumption of duty, CP Shogunle activated the IGP’s Enforcement Protocol for anti-electoral offences to ensure zero tolerance for ballot snatching, vote buying, political thuggery, and voter intimidation.

“The CP has also emplaced a central command framework to ensure real-time intelligence sharing, coordination, and rapid response, with a joint deployment of over 60,000 security personnel of agencies within the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), who will secure the 5,720 polling units with tactical reserves along inter-LGA and state boundaries, and also designated election collation centers.

“The CP has also stepped up the Electoral Offences Desk to monitor social media and online spaces towards identifying cyber-related crimes for prompt investigation and prosecution.”

He said CP Shogunle’s posting was in line with the policing operational strategy approved by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, which is aimed at enhancing strategic security planning towards ensuring a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process in the state.

Ikenga quoted the CP as reiterating the total ban on all vigilante groups such as Agunechemba and all other quasi-security groups in the state, as only the federal government security agencies are authorized to provide election security duties as provided by the laws of the federation.

He said VIP movements with armed escorts or security aides at polling or collation centers are strictly prohibited, as violators will face immediate apprehension, withdrawal of such escorts, and prosecution.

“Only designated INEC officials, accredited observers, and journalists are allowed to move freely between designated areas.”

The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in the 2023 general elections in Taraba State, Danladi Baido Tijo, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The announcement was made on Tuesday during a meeting between him and members of his campaign council at his residence in Jalingo, the state capital.

Speaking, Baido explained that his decision to join the APC was influenced by the impressive developmental strides achieved by Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas in less than two years in office.

He described Governor Kefas as a visionary and inclusive leader with a transformative agenda aimed at uniting the state beyond political, religious, and ethnic lines.

Baido called on the electorate, youths, and political groups to rally behind the Kefas administration to ensure the continued delivery of democratic dividends across Taraba State.

In their separate remarks, A.A. Liman and Senator Ibrahim Goje commended Baido for what they termed a bold and patriotic move made in the best interest of the state.

Meanwhile, several leaders of Baido’s campaign groups who spoke to our reporter pledged their continued loyalty and support as he begins a new political chapter with the APC.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has said his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, was made in the interest of the state.

Diri made this statement on Sunday during the 14th Bayelsa Thanksgiving Day at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa.

DAILY POST reports that it was the first time he spoke publicly on the issue after resigning from the PDP on October 15.

According to him, some people might not understand his decision to join the ruling party, but, with time, it would become clear that his reasons were altruistic.

The governor expressed happiness over the gathering of different political leaders at the Thanksgiving service, emphasising that the unity of Bayelsa was crucial for its development.

The two-term governor maintained that politics should be a tool for development, not a means to bring people down, and that his administration would continue to unite and advance the state.

According to him, the prevailing peace and security in the state, alongside its ongoing development, were reasons to be thankful to God. He also urged the people to imbibe the culture of thanksgiving.

He said, “Somebody had to take the decision (to leave the PDP) and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now but later it will be clear to all.
“When we came in as a government, what we did at the beginning was to ensure that most of the uncompleted projects were completed, and we introduced new ones. That alone is enough reason to thank God.
“The peace and security we are enjoying is another reason to thank God. Politics is for development and not to kill your brother. The gathering here is a testimony of the unity in the state.”

No fewer than 1,000 members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the Kwankwasiyya Movement have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.

The development was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin.

According to the statement, the defectors gathered at the Fine Time Events Centre in Kano, where they were officially received into the APC.

The statement revealed that the defectors said their decision was inspired by what they described as the numerous interventions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Jibrin.

Leader of the defectors, Aminu Minjibir, said they had contributed greatly to the growth of the Kwankwasiyya Movement but were no longer satisfied with the NNPP’s performance in addressing the needs of Kano residents.

“We worked hard for the success of the movement, but the NNPP has failed to deliver meaningful change to the people,” Minjibir said.

While receiving them, Senator Jibrin described their move as a wise decision.

He said the APC remains the largest political party in Africa and is focused on improving the lives of Nigerians.

He urged others to join the APC for the progress of the state and the country.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has warned against being used as a bargaining tool for negotiation in the Peoples Democratic Party’s ongoing crisis.
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‎Wike issued the warning while expressing concerns over the internal destruction of the party and emphasized the need for a return to due process.
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‎The Minister issued the warning in Abuja on Friday during a meeting with the Concerned PDP Stakeholders after the Abuja Federal High Court ruling that halted the November national convention scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State.
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‎During the meeting, Wike warned against any attempt to hijack the PDP’s leadership.
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‎“Let me be clear, nobody, and I mean nobody, will use us to negotiate for anything. We are part of this party; we have sacrificed for it. But we will not allow anybody to trade us off for personal gain.
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‎“Those of us fighting today are not doing so for ourselves. We are doing it because we want the PDP to stand for something, for due process, fairness, and respect for law,” he said.

Justice James Omotosho had barred the PDP from holding its national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The judge delivered the judgment while upholding a case brought by three aggrieved PDP members.

Omotosho directed the PDP to revisit and rectify its internal issues, emphasizing the need for the party to send the mandatory 21-day notice before proceeding with the convention.

The candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, in the November 8 governorship election in Anambra state,
Chioma Ifemeludike, says she has always been in the corridors of governance and politics for a very long time.

Ifemeludike made this statement on Friday when she appeared as a guest in an interview on ‘Prime Time’, a programme on Arise Television

“I won’t necessarily call my decision to run for the governor seat transitioning because I have always been in the corridors of governance and politics.

“This is not just because I studied political science but because I was also a student unionist. What made me become a student unionist was to speak for students who didn’t have a voice.

“I have always been that person who took the responsibility of others and at this time in my life that the AAC is positioning as the only alternative for the people, it became imperative that I step in to the position of making myself the number one person in Anambra state,” she said.