Following the shock defection of the former Minister of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode from the nation’s opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), there have been several reactions to the move.
Even though defections and cross-carpeting are a regular feature of the Nigerian political sphere (and especially for FFK himself who has changed political parties at different times in his political career), most Nigerians are still surprised. This is particularly because he was one of the strongest voices in the opposition and judging from his past comments on the APC, no one thought it would be a possibility.
The former PDP stalwart has previously vowed that he would never join the APC and even said he would prefer to die than to join the ruling party.
Babafemi Ojudu, who is the Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Political Matters, describes the day Femi Fani-Kayode joined the APC as “the saddest day in his political career” in a post he posted on his Facebook account.
Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi labeled the former Aviation Minister as the “Judas of Oduduwa.” He said in a Facebook post:
“I have for long, neglected the rantings of the Judas of Oduduwa attacking me knowing fully well that he is fake and a traitor. Time has now caught up with him and thanks to Allah, all his vituperations are cast in the dustbin of merciless history. It is him now, one wonders which of the seven circles of hell this duper will settle if he doesn’t repent.”
FFK Defection
Nigeria’s opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has come to terms with the new development with the defection of FFK and has wished him well in his future aspirations with the APC. According to the DAILY INDEPENDENT, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said “The party wishes him the best in his future vocation.”
Still on the reactions generated by the move, aide to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe, has berated the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the reception accorded Mr. Kayode.
Taking to his Facebook page, Joe Igbokwe, a former spokesperson of the APC in Lagos, slammed the ruling party for giving a political “charlatan and prostitute” like Fani-Kayode a red carpet welcome.
“Despite all my push for APC, Abuja has not given me a phone talk less of inviting me for coffee with the C-in-C. But here is a political charlatan and prostitute being given a red carpet in the seat of power, Abuja,”
On his part, Reno Omokri accused FFK of being a Judas who betrayed Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho for “30 pieces of silver”. Mr. Omokri wrote on Instagram:
FFK Defection
“You say you are a friend of Sunday Igboho. You called him your brother. You called Nnamdi Kanu your “friend and brother” and one of the most courageous persons you know. You see what this demon in human flesh is doing to these freedom fighters, yet you do this?
“It makes me suspicious. How can these two people who were close to you and who confided in you, end up in Buhari’s trap, and then you join his party? This looks like 30 pieces of silver! At this point, I would very much hate to be your friend and brother.”
Precious Chikwendu, the estranged wife of former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, was not left out as she has taken to her Instastories to shade her ex-husband for joining the All Progressive Congress (APC). The post read:
“My father always told me the chi nwam “ezigbo afa ka ego” A good name is better than riches. Truly it is. Ifele adighi eme onye ori obu umu nna ya ka ona eme.” (A thief is not always as ashamed as his relatives).
NIMC Cracks down on Illegal NIN Centres after discovering Unauthorised Enrolment
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has arrested several illegal NIN operators and seized registration equipment in Gwagwalada. Officials warned Nigerians to avoid unapproved roadside agents to protect themselves against identity theft and extortion.
If you’ve ever been tempted to register your National Identification Number (NIN) through a roadside “agent” who promised to get it done faster, you may want to think twice. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has stepped up its fight against illegal NIN registration and unauthorised data modification, arresting several suspects during an enforcement operation in Gwagwalada and other locations.
The Commission said officers from its Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit (ICEU) carried out the operation seizing machines and other equipment allegedly used for illegal NIN enrolment.
According to NIMC, the crackdown is aimed at protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s National Identity Management System and stopping people from exploiting Nigerians through unauthorised registration and extortion.
The agency explained that many of the complaints and problems experienced by NIN holders often happen because some people choose to bypass the Commission’s approved registration process.
It reminded Nigerians that NIN enrolment can only be done at NIMC-approved enrolment centres, while changes to personal information, such as names, phone numbers or dates of birth, should only be made through the Commission’s official self-service modification platform.
NIMC also encouraged NIN holders to download the NINAuth mobile application from the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store. The app allows users to access extra security features, print their NIN slips, and manage other identity-related services securely.
Reaffirming the agency’s position, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the Commission has no room for extortion or unethical practices.
She said the Commission remained committed to providing “seamless and hitch-free NIN enrolment services” for Nigerians and legal residents. The Commission urged members of the public to avoid unofficial registration centres and use only approved channels for NIN enrolment and related services.
It also advised Nigerians to visit its official website and verified social media platforms for accurate information and updates, warning that dealing with unauthorised operators could expose them to fraud, identity theft and invalid records.
Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru to be buried in Imo State
The family of late Nollywood actor Francis Duru has released details for his final burial rites. Services of songs will be held in Abuja and Imo State before he is laid to rest on December 11, 2026. The family made the announcement in a statement shared on the actor’s official Instagram page on Monday, November 2, inviting relatives, friends, colleagues and well-wishers to join them in honouring his life and legacy.
According to the announcement, a service of songs will be held on Wednesday, November 25, at 5 p.m. at Family Worship Centre, Idris Gidado Street, Wuye, Abuja. A second service of songs is scheduled for Thursday, December 10, at the late Pa Theophilus Ogide Duru’s family compound in Okai, Eziama, Isiala Mbano, Imo State.
The funeral and interment will follow on Friday, December 11, at the same family compound.
The statement, signed by the actor’s son, Ebuka Duru, and sister, Anthonia Chenyi, described him as a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.
The family also expressed appreciation to those who had supported them with prayers, calls, messages, and other gestures since his death. The statement read, “A remarkable life, a beautiful legacy, a star that will never stop shining. Though our beloved Chief Francis Duru has taken his final bow, his memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”
The family added that the love and support received throughout the difficult period had been a source of strength as they prepared to give the actor a final farewell.
Pastor Jimmy Odukoya remarries years after his first marriage ended
Pastor Jimmy Odukoya has remarried years after his first marriage ended, introducing his new wife, Mo Jasyme, to The Fountain of Life Church congregation during a Sunday service in Lagos. Pastor Jimmy Odukoya has found love again, more than a decade after marrying his first wife, Oluwakemi Sade Banjoko, with whom he shares two children.
The senior pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Lagos, introduced his new wife, identified as Mo Jasyme, to his congregation during Sunday service on November 1, 2026. The announcement came a day after Odukoya sparked curiosity on social media by sharing a photograph of two hands wearing wedding rings with the caption, “To New Beginnings.”
His followers, especially popular celebrities like Broda Shaggi, Ifedayo Agoro and Bisola Aiyelola, congratulated him.
Standing beside his wife in church, Jimmy spoke about how he had been navigating life alone since taking over the leadership of the church following his father’s death. He then introduced her to the congregation as his wife and the church’s new first lady.
The couple subsequently knelt before Pastor Tunde Bakare, the General Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, who prayed for and blessed their union.
Before his new marriage, Odukoya was married to Oluwakemi Sade Banjoko, popularly known as Kemi. The couple married in London on March 9, 2013, after meeting in Lagos in 2011. They eventually welcomed two children together before their marriage ended in separation.
Interestingly, their relationship began at Ooh La La, a restaurant in Ikeja, Lagos, when Kemi accompanied her cousin to meet Jimmy and a mutual friend.
In a 2013 interview with ThisDay, republished by YNaija, the couple opened up about their courtship ahead of their wedding. Jimmy recalled that although he initially paid more attention to Kemi’s cousin, they eventually started talking at another family gathering.
Their conversations became so frequent that they sometimes spoke from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m.Interestingly, Kemi revealed that Jimmy did not initially tell her he was a pastor. When he eventually disclosed it, she reportedly went silent for about 30 seconds.
Jimmy also recounted how he proposed to her in London, using a sweet wrapper to playfully ask her to marry him before revealing the actual engagement ring.
However, their marriage eventually came to an end. Pastor Jimmy Odukoya’s new wife is Mo Jasyme, a designer and creative entrepreneur who is now known as Pastor Mo Odukoya.
Mo was previously married to British-Nigerian music producer Mosadoluwa Adegboye, popularly known as itsMOSA. The former couple reportedly collaborated on several creative projects during their relationship.
Mo made her first public appearance as Jimmy’s wife at The Fountain of Life Church on November 1, 2026, where she described it as an honour to stand alongside her husband.
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