Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has dismissed suggestions that recent defections by South-East governors could lead to the region being politically “captured” by any party.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Obi insisted that Nigeria is a democracy, not a military regime, where voters, not political office holders, ultimately determine electoral outcomes.

“We’re not in a military time when you capture people. In a democracy, leadership is earned through service and persuasion, not by force,” Obi said in a statement issued by his media team.

Obi’s comments come amid the high-profile defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The move is seen by some as part of APC’s broader effort to secure the South-East ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s possible 2027 re-election bid.

“Peter Mbah is a good friend of mine. I believe he made his decision based on his own political judgment,” Obi said.

“But no party can automatically win a state just because it has the governor. The people will ultimately decide.”

Obi urged the government to earn the people’s support through performance and policies, not political maneuvering.

Reacting to the planned protest by activist Omoyele Sowore for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Obi reiterated his long-standing position.

“There was no need for his arrest in the first place. I’ve always advocated dialogue, negotiation, and consultation with agitators,” he said.

“This has been my stand since before 2020. Let’s follow due process for everyone involved, not just Kanu. Dialogue is always better than force.”

Obi also spoke on the appointment of Prof. Samuel Amupitan as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressing hope for credible elections in 2027.

“We want a new Nigeria where elections are free, fair, and credible. The people with competence, capacity, compassion, and character must emerge,” he said.

“Amupitan should remember he won’t be in office forever. His reputation will outlast his position.

Obi made these remarks during a visit to LEA Nursery/Primary School in Kapwa, a suburb of Abuja, where he campaigned alongside Dr. Moses Paul, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the February 2026 council elections.

He condemned the poor state of the school, which he described as “shocking,” noting that over 200 pupils attend the school without access to toilets or decent furniture.

“Education is the foundation of any nation. Our children deserve better. I’m committed to helping improve the conditions here,” Obi said.

“That’s why I’m also supporting Dr. Moses Paul. He’s going from community to community to understand their needs.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed receiving accreditation applications from 43 media organisations seeking to cover the upcom

ing Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.

A total of 363 journalists and media personnel have applied to participate in the election coverage, according to acting INEC Chairman May Agbamuche-Mbu, who spoke during the commission’s third quarterly consultative meeting with media executives in Abuja on Wednesday.

“The Commission’s Media Accreditation Portal for the Anambra Governorship Election was opened on September 1, 2025. As of this morning, we have received applications from 43 media organisations covering 363 individuals,” she stated.

Agbamuche-Mbu emphasized that accreditation is not only a prerequisite for access to polling units and collation centers but also a key element in ensuring transparency and election security.

She noted that accredited tags will feature scannable security codes for real-time verification by INEC officials and security personnel.

“These tags are vital to our transparency and security measures. We strongly urge all applicants to complete their accreditation before the deadline. There will be no extension beyond midnight, October 24, 2025,” she warned.

She further urged journalists to maintain professionalism and ethical standards, especially in combating misinformation and disinformation during the electoral process.

“You play a critical role in protecting the integrity of the information space. We rely on you to ensure that accurate and responsible reporting defines this election period.”

So far, INEC has successfully completed 10 of the 13 scheduled pre-election activities.

The remaining key milestones include:

October 25: Publication of the official Notice of Poll

November 6: Final day of campaign activities

November 8: Election Day

The Commission also disclosed that all non-sensitive materials have already been deployed to Anambra State, while coordination with security agencies continues to ensure a peaceful and orderly poll.

Agbamuche-Mbu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to a credible and transparent election, calling on the media to partner actively in safeguarding the process.

“Our doors remain open for verification and clarification. Together, we can safeguard the credibility of the electoral process.”

Speaking at the event, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yahya Alhassan, praised INEC’s engagement with the media and called for stronger collaboration ahead of not just the Anambra election, but all future electoral events.

“This engagement is timely and crucial. The media is not just an observer, but an essential player in ensuring credible, transparent, and peaceful elections,” Alhassan said.

He urged journalists to focus on accountability, fairness, and accuracy, and called on INEC to continue supporting journalist training, access to accurate data, and fact-checking mechanisms to counter fake news.

“The reforms INEC has introduced — from technological tools to inclusivity and transparency, must be effectively communicated to the public. That’s where our role becomes pivotal.”

INEC confirmed that 2.8 million registered voters are expected to participate in the November poll.

The Commission has already released the final list of candidates and officially flagged off campaign activities.

A total of 16 political parties met the submission deadline of May 12, 2025, and will field candidates in the race.

The meeting was attended by editors, media executives, senior journalists, members of the INEC Press Corps, and representatives of media regulatory bodies and associations.

The Nigerian Senate is set to screen Professor Joash Amupitan, the nominee of President Bola Tinubu for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

This was confirmed in a circular issued on Wednesday by Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, Director of Information at the Senate, and shared with journalists in Abuja.

The screening will take place at the Senate Chamber of the National Assembly Complex.

The announcement comes less than 24 hours after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read President Tinubu’s letter formally requesting Amupitan’s confirmation on the Senate floor.

“The Senate will on Thursday conduct the screening of Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, the nominee of President Bola Tinubu, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” the statement read.

Media houses, particularly television stations, were encouraged to provide live coverage of the proceedings, while members of the Senate Press Corps were also asked to ensure full media dissemination of the event.

Amupitan’s nomination comes in the wake of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s departure, marking the end of a decade-long tenure as INEC chairman.

The nomination was approved last week by the National Council of State, signaling the beginning of a leadership transition within the electoral body.

In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu cited Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the legal basis for the appointment, and appealed for a swift confirmation.

“I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Tinubu stated.

The nomination of Amupitan, described by the presidency as “an apolitical figure of impeccable integrity”, comes amid heightened public scrutiny of INEC’s independence following the 2023 general elections, which were marred by controversies over logistics and transparency.

Opposition parties and civil society groups have since called for a thorough and transparent confirmation process, urging the Senate to ensure the nominee is capable of steering electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at his former colleagues in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that many of those who once accused him of undermining the party have now defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking during the flag-off of the construction of the main carriageways on the Outer Southern Expressway in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike said the wave of defections from the PDP to the APC was vindication of his earlier stance.

“I have been watching on daily television and social media, people who said I wanted to destabilise the party, that I was working for the APC. All of them are now in the APC.

So, if it is true that I was working for the APC, they should commend me for doing a good job, paving the way for them,” Wike stated.

In recent days, two prominent PDP governors, Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, announced their defection to the APC.

Governor Diri’s move came alongside the defection of 19 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, making him the fourth PDP governor to leave the party in the buildup to the 2027 general elections.

This development has reduced the PDP’s governorship tally from 11 (as of October 2024) to just 8.

Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State for eight years before his appointment as FCT Minister, praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic leadership, stating that under Tinubu, all states, including the FCT, now have access to enough funds to pay salaries, deliver infrastructure, and avoid the financial struggles that plagued governors during his own tenure.

“When I was governor, I had to run around banks every month just to pay salaries or fund projects. Today, it’s different. Now, banks are the ones chasing states.

Somebody has made that possible, a leader whose decisive economic policies have changed the game,” he said.

Wike added that under the current administration, the issue of governors leaving debts for their successors would become a thing of the past, thanks to improved revenue allocation and sound fiscal management.

“No governor will now talk about leaving debts for his successor. That used to be the norm. But with visionary leadership, that’s changing.

We now have a President who takes tough but necessary decisions, decisions others ran away from when they had the chance.”

Wike noted that recent defections and growing support for President Tinubu among opposition figures were signs that Nigerians recognise the need for strong, purposeful leadership to drive reform and national development.

Former Bayelsa East Senator and media mogul, Ben Murray-Bruce, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing his admiration for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies and leadership style.

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Murray-Bruce described his move as one driven not by political ambition, but by a shared vision for Nigeria’s economic transformation.

“I have known President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 1998. I know the man’s mind, his courage, and his conviction. He is not driven by applause, he is driven by results,” Murray-Bruce stated.

The founder of Silverbird Group hailed President Tinubu as a leader who understands the complexities of the Nigerian economy and is taking bold steps to address them.

“For the first time in our nation’s history, we have a President who truly understands finance, who sees the economy not as a political slogan, but as a living organism that must be disciplined, deregulated, and allowed to breathe,” he said.

Announcing his official entry into the APC, Murray-Bruce declared:

“That is why today, I am joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), not for politics, but for progress.”

He expressed confidence that under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria would undergo significant economic and infrastructural development, positioning the country for long-term prosperity and global relevance.

“I choose to stand with that vision. I choose to stand with reform. I choose to stand with the future,” he added.

Murray-Bruce also commended the administration’s ongoing reforms, including the deregulation of the petroleum industry and restructuring of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He said these policies were restoring investor confidence and stabilising the naira.

“The painful reforms we face today are the very foundation of tomorrow’s prosperity. We are moving into a free-market economy that rewards hard work and innovation instead of dependency and distortion,” he said.

Highlighting the government’s infrastructural strides, Murray-Bruce pointed to ongoing developments in roads, airports, ports, and housing as evidence of what he called “unprecedented progress.”

He acknowledged that many Nigerians are still facing economic hardship but insisted that the short-term pain is necessary for long-term gain.

“Reform is never painless. Yet, it is in these moments of sacrifice that nations are reborn,” he concluded.

Earlier in May 2025, Murray-Bruce had praised President Tinubu’s decision to begin construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, calling it a symbol of “visionary leadership.”

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has instructed all members of his cabinet to visibly demonstrate their loyalty to President Bola Tinubu by wearing outfits bearing the president’s insignia, including the signature “Asiwaju cap”, during official functions.

The governor issued the directive on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed commissioners and the inauguration of various commissions and boards in Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo, who attributed his election victory to Tinubu’s backing, emphasized the importance of openly supporting the president, saying such loyalty should not only be expressed in words but reflected in public appearance.

“This victory wouldn’t have been possible without the support of a responsible president. In the past, our major challenge during elections was not having the president on our side, but today we say thank you,” he said.

“I won’t forgive any commissioner who doesn’t wear this cap. At executive meetings, anyone not in a suit and without the Asiwaju cap will be sent back,” the governor warned.

Governor Okpebholo urged his commissioners to treat their appointments as a call to public service, not an opportunity for personal gain.

“You were thoroughly screened and confirmed based on merit, not as a reward or political patronage,” he noted.

He stressed that the administration is focused on “practical governance,” not image-building or propaganda, and reminded the newly inaugurated officials that their performance will be judged by visible, measurable impact across Edo State.

“Your success will be evaluated based on how you improve services and create opportunities for our people,” he added.

Reiterating his stance against corruption, the governor made it clear that any form of misconduct would not be tolerated under his watch.

“You are not here for money-making. You’re here for service, for sacrifice, and to contribute to a better life for Edo people,” he said.

 “Discipline, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose must guide your actions. Above all, your loyalty must lie with the people of Edo State. History will judge us not by our intentions, but by our actions.”

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

Barring any last-minute change, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas is on the verge of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that could make him the first opposition governor from northern Nigeria to switch allegiance under the Tinubu administration.

This development follows Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah’s formal defection to the APC earlier this week, with most of his political allies and structures crossing over with him.

Sources close to Governor Kefas say a committee led by former Senator Dahiru Bako has begun statewide consultations to gauge public sentiment.

Bako confirmed that the governor is seeking public input before making any political decisions.

“He won’t move without the people’s blessing. These consultations are proof,” Bako said.

Meanwhile, rallies supporting Kefas’ defection have already taken place in Jalingo, with youth groups urging him to join the APC.

Party leaders in Taraba have signaled their readiness to welcome him, but the possible shift is also stirring tension among APC aspirants concerned about losing influence or party tickets in the 2027 elections.

Efforts to reach Kefas’ advisers were unsuccessful, while the PDP state chairman dismissed the rally as an APC-organised event and refused to comment further.

Kefas’ rumored defection is part of a growing trend. Earlier in the year, Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom) and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) also left the PDP for the APC, further eroding the PDP’s presence in the South South and South East.

Now, only Bayelsa and Rivers remain under PDP control in the South South. In Bayelsa, Governor Douye Diri, currently entangled in a party leadership tussle with a faction loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, is reportedly weighing his options.

In Rivers, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, recently reinstated, is also rumored to be considering a shift to the APC.

In the South East, the APC now controls three out of five states; Imo, Ebonyi and Enugu.

The remaining states, Anambra (APGA-led) and Abia (Labour Party), have shown strong support for President Bola Tinubu.

Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP’s Board of Trustees, described the defections as part of the APC’s strategy to establish a one-party state, warning that it could “erode Nigeria’s democratic gains.”

“These defections aren’t about ideology. They’re driven by fear, pressure, and political survival. This is not democracy, it’s manipulation,” Wabara said.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) echoed similar concerns.

Its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the APC of coercing governors and warned of a coordinated effort to undermine the opposition.

“Those switching sides aren’t convinced of APC’s vision; they’re desperate and afraid,” Abdullahi stated.

Despite the wave of defections, the Obidient Movement, a youth-driven support group aligned with the Labour Party, remained unfazed.

“It shows our leaders care more about power than people. This only fuels Nigerians’ desire for real change,” said Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the group’s national coordinator.

Labour Party spokesperson Obiora Ifoh added that the party is currently focused on healing internal rifts and strengthening its structure ahead of 2027.

At a reception event in Enugu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, hailed the defections as an endorsement of the APC’s inclusive vision.

“These moves expose cracks in the opposition, but show the APC’s growing strength and unity,” he said.

APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda also praised Governor Mbah’s achievements and welcomed him “into the family of progressives.”

Political experts believe the defections highlight the fragile ideological foundation of Nigeria’s major parties.

Prof. Hassan Saliu, President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, said:

“Nigerian politics is about self-preservation, not ideology. Politicians go where the power lies, not where values align.”

Similarly, Prof. Gbade Ojo warned that Nigeria is moving toward a de facto one-party state, which could undermine democratic accountability.

“The PDP is losing its grip due to internal disunity and lack of discipline. It’s not APC’s strength but PDP’s weakness fueling this wave,” he added.

The APC now holds a two-thirds majority in the Senate, following the defection of Senator Samaila Kaila (Bauchi North) from the PDP. This brings the APC’s Senate seats to 73 out of 109.

In the House of Representatives, the APC now has 236 members, just four short of the two-thirds threshold, after three PDP lawmakers from Kaduna State defected to the ruling party.

Despite the surge, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda challenged the legitimacy of these moves, urging the Speaker to declare the defectors’ seats vacant in line with constitutional provisions.

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The announcement was made on Wednesday during a briefing at the Executive Council Chambers of the Bayelsa State Government House.

Although Governor Diri did not disclose his next political move, his departure marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

The governor’s decision is strongly backed by 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, including the Speaker, indicating a possible realignment of political forces in the state.

This development follows closely on the heels of a similar move by Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) just a day earlier.

The back-to-back resignations raise questions about the future of the PDP in the South-South and South-East regions ahead of upcoming elections.