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Opposition Parties Loss, PDP Gains In Enugu

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The stronghold of credible political opposition in Enugu State has continued to collapse as a good number of the leadership of other political parties have abandoned their parties to join the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The latest of this political re-alignment took place at the weekend when the former governorship candidate for Action Congress (AC) in the April 2007 gubernatorial election, Chief Duben Onyia abandoned the party and returned to PDP.

The ceremony marking Chief Onyia’s return to PDP which took place at Government Field, Udi Local Government Area of the state , witnessed an unprecedented crowd of political heavy weights in both the PDP, AC and ANPP in the state who came to join the PDP.

They included, among others, Chief Anike Nwoga of ANPP, Ozo Ramsey Onyia and Barr. Ray Nnaji of a PDP faction opposed to the governor, and a crowd of their supporters and political associates.

Addressing the people of Udi during the occasion, the state governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime, advised all those who are still sitting on the fence to take decision urgently and join the winning and ruling party – the PDP.

Governor Chime described the return of Chief Duben Onyia to the PDP as a welcome development, adding “I am happy that after three years we are in power our brother who left us due to one reason or the other has found time to join us again.”

The Governor made it clear that PDP in Enugu State is one family and not for one person or a section alone but for all the stakeholders and all those who registered with it.

According to him, “with the new spirit of PDP, we will continue to be open and adopt politics of collaboration and consultation to carry everybody along.”

He said that PDP in the state will continue to uphold the party’s manifesto and told those who joined or returned to the party at the ceremony to see themselves as full-fledged members of the party, adding that all their rights and privileges would be accorded them.

On the selection of candidates for the party in the 2011 elections, Governor Chime said that when the time comes, the people and stakeholders will be consulted and superior argument will prevail in selecting the candidates.

He made it clear that candidates will be selected based on the collective interest of the people and those who have the interest of the people at heart.

In his speech while welcoming Chief Onyia and his supporters to the party, the state Chairman of PDP, Chief Vita Abba described the return of the former AC governorship candidate to the PDP as a big catch.

Chief Abba, used the occasion to assure the people of Enugu State that PDP as a party controlling the government of Enugu State and Nigeria would continue to serve them better by meeting up with their wishes and aspirations.

He, therefore, told Chief Onyia to see himself as an integral part of the party and presented him with the party membership card and constitution.

Speaking, Chief Onyia described the event as a day made by God and said, “I am not decamping to PDP but I am coming back to the house I helped to build some years ago as a foundation member.”

Chief Onyia explained that his return to the PDP was without conditions but to be part of the success story of the administration of Governor Chime in the state.

According to him, “the style of leadership of Governor Chime in Enugu State is what we want and what the people expected. I have not come to cause trouble or struggle for power but to support the Governor and his good works in the state.”

Barrister Ray Nnaji, Chief Anike Nwoga and Ozo Ramsey Onyia in their separate speeches spoke very well about the Governor, adding that they are at the ceremony in good faith.

The Chairman of Udi Local Government Area, Mr. Bona Ude and the PDP Chairman for the Council Area, Mr. Donald Ikeweta, described the event as sign of more good things to come and the understanding among the people of the area.

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Gov Alia Appoints TuFace As Adviser

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Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”

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Oborevwori, Okowa Dump PDP For APC

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Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Speakers Conference Tasks FG, Governors On Wanton Killings

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The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.

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