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Defection: South-East Governors May Defect To APC And Here Is Why

APC National Convention

As the country prepares for the 2023 general elections, there are concerns that we may have only one party at the polls without strong opposition. This concern is fuelled by the defections that have seen prominent politicians cross-carpet from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

From the National Assembly to the various State Houses of Assembly, there has been movement from the opposition PDP to the ruling APC. Only recently, the governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, who was elected on the platform of the PDP switched to the APC – and was welcomed with so much fanfare.

In May 2021, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, formerly of PDP also defected. And now there are reports that PDP governors in the South-East have decided to switch camps too.

According to Daily Indepen­dent, governors from the South-Eastern part of the country who belong to other parties have come to an agreement to join the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) so that the region will not be left out in the scheme of things.

Of all the five states (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo) that make up the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, only Imo and Ebonyi states are of the ruling party APC, with Ebonyi state, having joined the party in November 2020, when its governor, Engr. Dave Umahi decamped from the nation’s opposition party, PDP.

Abia and Enugu states with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi respectively have remained in the opposition party – PDP – while Anambra state is ruled by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with Governor Willie Obiano at the helm.

South-East Governors

South-East Governors

Be that as it may, plans have already been reached by all governors to position the region to attract benefits from the center by aligning under the leadership of the ruling party.

A member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) from the South-East who spoke with Daily Inde­pendent, said the defection of the remaining South-East governors to the APC will happen sooner rather than later. He said:

“Governor Ikpeazu is al­most 80 percent out of the PDP. Ugwuanyi is also on his way out and we are patiently waiting for the direction the Anambra governorship elec­tion will take. With the crisis in APGA, I won’t be surprised if Willie Obiano declares for APC tomorrow.

“I know the South-East governors have always com­plained that APC has done more for them in less than six years than what PDP did in 16 years. And they have also decided to join the party in bloc so as to attract more developments to the region in all the five states.” 

Although the above is the reason they have given for their decision, it has been discovered that there are more personal reasons for the decision to abandon the PDP family at this time, after all, politics, they say, is a game of interest.

Read More: I Won’t Support President Jonathan If APC Field Him In 2023 – Wike

For Enugu, the personal issues and power play between the Enugu state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former Deputy Senate President, Sena­tor Ike Ekweremadu, who is of the PDP and seeks to replace the incumbent governor in 2023 is the major reason for the decision.

While Governor Ugwuanyi would want to push his own anointed candidate into power as his successor, Senator Ekewremadu, who wields so much power in the State’s PDP is also eyeing the governorship seat come 2023. So moving to the ruling party seems to be the only card on the table for the Enugu state governor.

The case of Abia state seems to be a concluded issue already despite the issues between the incumbent governor, Okezie Ikpeazu and former governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. The decision on who becomes the party leader in the state (a position currently held by the latter) when the governor eventually decamps is the only thing holding an announcement from being made.

However, according to Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, who is also a member of the APC Caretak­er Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, “Abia State governor will formally be received into our party any moment from now.”

In Anambra, the crisis rocking APGA has made it almost clear that the party is losing the state in the next governorship elections. APC at the moment remains the surest party to take over the state, come November 6 and so aligning with the ruling party for Willie Obiano seems like the most logical thing to do if he intends to remain relevant in politics after he leaves office.

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Bolt, Uber drivers to protest, shut down operations in Lagos on May 1 over poor working conditions

Thousands of ride-hailing drivers in Lagos plan to stage a 24-hour strike on May 1, 2025, targeting major platforms like Uber, Bolt, Lagride, inDrive, and Rida in protest of low fares, high commissions, and poor working conditions.
The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) announced the planned walkout on Tuesday, April 22. It said about 5,000 drivers would participate by logging off their apps and staying off the roads.

“Despite our efforts to engage in dialogue, these companies have consistently prioritised their profits over our well-being.

“They’ve ignored our pleas for fair compensation, safe working conditions, and respect for our rights as workers,” AUATON said in a statement.

Drivers say they are burdened with platform commissions of 25% to 30%, while earning as little as ₦1,200 for 10-kilometre trips.

These rates, they argue, are unsustainable amid Nigeria’s rising fuel costs following the removal of petrol subsidies in 2023. Steven Iwindoye, the union’s public relations officer, said the protest is part of a broader push for reforms in the country’s $273 million ride-hailing market.

“This is not just about drivers being off the road for one day. It’s about building a united front to demand dignity and fairness for the people who keep the digital transport economy running,” he said.

The strike is scheduled for International Workers’ Day and mirrors similar gig economy protests in the U.S. and South Africa. AUATON said it plans to establish a formal negotiation framework after the action, working with labour groups to ensure long-term change.

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BREAKING: Okowa, Oborevwori, others dump PDP for APC

okowa sacks Latimore Oghenesivbe

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in the state’s political alignment.

The surprise defection was confirmed on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting held at the Government House in Asaba. Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, revealed the development during a phone call with the press.

But that’s not all.

Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has also jumped ship. Senator James Manager announced his defection after a marathon six-hour meeting in Asaba.

Manager disclosed that the entire PDP structure in the state had agreed to cross over to the ruling APC — including Governor Oborevwori, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker of the State Assembly, the state PDP chairman, and all local government chairmen.

“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” Manager said, hinting at growing discontent within the PDP ranks.

According to insiders, the decision to join the APC came after weeks of behind-the-scenes consultations with key political players. Sources close to the development say it’s a calculated move aimed at securing Delta’s future; and positioning the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Oborevwori, who only came into office in 2023 under the PDP umbrella, was welcomed into the APC fold by top-ranking party officials.

Political observers are already describing the defection as a game-changer with major implications for the South-South power dynamics.

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Celebs

My Dad Has Gifted Me $300,000 before – Davido

Davido

In a recent interview on Clue Radio, Davido shared how he got a $300K gift from his billionaire father. According to Davido, his father, Chief Adedeji Adeleke, came to watch him perform at his State Farm Arena concert in Atlanta ,and after the show, he got a well-done message from him and a $300K gift.

In his 2012 hit single ‘Dami Duro,’ Davido boasts about being the father of a wealthy man, and although the Afrobeats megastar has gone on to build his own wealth, he reveals that he still occasionally gets sent money by his dad.

“If I tell you that my dad doesn’t give his kids money, I will be lying to you,” Davido said while sharing that although he makes a lot of money off music, which he uses to promote and market his work, he still occasionally gets monetary gifts from his father.

In the interview, Davido also shared that he co-produced a couple of songs for his upcoming album ‘5ive’

The project will feature guest appearances from Afrobeats stars Omah Lay and Victony.

Other Nigerian artists on the album include OdumoduBlvck and Chike, whom he featured on the single ‘Fund.’

The album also features international stars led by Jamaican star YG Marley, whom he featured on the song ‘Awuke’ released as the first single of the album.

Other Carribean stars on the album include Shensea and 450.

American R&B and his long-term collaborator Chris Brown also appears on the album. 3 time Grammy winner Victoria Monet and Latin pop star Becky G also feature on the album.

South African music star Musa Keys also appears on the album after featuring on the Davido’s Grammy nominated single ‘Unavaialble’ off his record-breaking fourth album ‘Timeless’.

Davido also features French hitmakers Dadju & Tay C as the track list showcases his desire to cater to multiple markets in a reflection of his status as a global star.

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