The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly denied allegations circulating on social media and certain online platforms that its leaders were compelling members to take ritual oaths.

Describing the claims as “baseless, malicious, and libellous,” the party insisted that such practices are completely foreign to its operations in the state.

In a statement released on Friday by the party’s Director of Publicity, Olufemi Nuberu, the APC said the accusations were fabricated by unidentified individuals seeking to damage the party’s reputation and instill fear among the public.

“The APC categorically denies the existence of any ritual oath-taking event involving its members or leaders,” the statement read.

“The claims are not only fabricated but also designed to incite public disaffection, spread fear, and damage the reputation of the party and its officials.”

Nuberu emphasized that the party operates strictly within the laws of the land, including the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act, and the APC Constitution.

While acknowledging that oath-taking is a recognized legal practice used to affirm loyalty and service, he clarified that it is governed by the Oaths Act, which outlines who is qualified to administer oaths and under what circumstances.

“The APC condemns any action that contravenes legal or ethical standards,” Nuberu added.

“We reaffirm our commitment to transparent, lawful, and democratic political engagement.”

The party called on the public to disregard the report and urged media outlets to refrain from spreading misinformation that could undermine political stability in the state.

In a major political shakeup just weeks before the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, two members of the State House of Assembly have defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers, Hon. Paul Obu, representing Orumba North, and Hon. Pat Okafor, representing Onitsha North II, announced their switch on Thursday, dealing a significant blow to the Labour Party’s presence in the state legislature.

Their defection is being hailed by APC leaders as a sign of growing momentum and shifting allegiances ahead of the high-stakes election.

“The signs are becoming clearer with each passing day. These defections are just the beginning, more are coming,” an APC spokesperson said while welcoming the lawmakers.

Insider sources suggest that as many as 10 additional lawmakers are currently in discussions to join the APC in the coming days.

If confirmed, this wave of defections could dramatically alter the political balance in the Anambra State House of Assembly and give the APC a stronger foothold heading into the polls.

Political analysts view the move as part of the APC’s strategic efforts to position itself as a viable alternative in the state, where Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is expected to defend his party’s dominance.

The Labour Party, which saw a surge in popularity during the last general election, appears to be losing ground rapidly.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has announced a temporary break from public engagements due to health concerns.

In a statement posted on Saturday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi revealed he became unwell while attending a tourism event in Enugu on Friday.

He subsequently visited a hospital, where doctors prescribed medication and recommended rest for one to two days.

“Earlier in Enugu, I was not feeling well. I visited the hospital where the doctor gave me some medication and advised me to take a day or two days rest,” Obi said.

“In obedience to the doctor’s advice, I will not be able to meet up with all my scheduled engagements this weekend.”

He expressed regret for any inconvenience his absence may cause and appealed for public understanding.

Despite his health condition, Obi made a stop at the Good Hope Specialist Hospital in Isulo, Orumba South LGA, Anambra State.

There, he donated ₦10 million to support the hospital’s ongoing revitalisation project, led by the Aguata Diocese of the Church of Nigeria.

He praised the diocese’s initiative to upgrade the facility into a comprehensive health complex, which will include a School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Technology.

“Healthcare remains one of the most meaningful investments we can make. Together, we can build a healthier Nigeria,” Obi added.

The Kano State chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has officially expelled Abdulmumin Jibrin, the lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

Announcing the decision in Kano on Saturday, NNPP State Chairman Alhaji Hashim Dungurawa cited Jibrin’s anti-party activities and his failure to fulfill financial obligations as reasons for the expulsion.

According to Dungurawa, the party had tolerated a series of public criticisms and disloyalty from Jibrin, including his open association with political rivals of the NNPP’s national leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“Instead of engaging in dialogue, he chose to undermine our party’s interests and pledged allegiance elsewhere. We expelled him because he brings no added value,” Dungurawa stated.

The party also accused Jibrin of neglecting to pay mandatory party dues, vowing to initiate legal action to recover the outstanding amounts.

“It’s a constitutional requirement for members to pay dues. He has defaulted consistently, and we will pursue this matter in court,” Dungurawa added.

There has been growing speculation in recent weeks about Jibrin’s possible return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

However, the NNPP insists his exit poses no threat to the party’s strength, especially within the influential Kwankwasiyya movement.

“If he was truly a political heavyweight, he would have won under the APC. He only found success through the NNPP and Kwankwasiyya,” Dungurawa argued.

Jibrin, who previously served as Director-General of the Bola Tinubu Support Groups Management Council, had defected from the APC to NNPP in 2022.

His return to the House of Reps was widely credited to his alignment with Kwankwaso’s structure.