Senate Majority Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele has revealed that more than 80 percent of federal lawmakers from opposition parties are preparing to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of several projects in Ilupeju, Lagos, spearheaded by Odi‑Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA Chairman Rasaq Olusola Ajala—Bamidele outlined the scope of the defections awaiting the resumption of parliament.

“As Senate leader, I can tell you that well over 80 per cent of our colleagues in the Senate and the House of Representatives who are not in the APC are planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress,” he stated, adding that the transition would accelerate with the return of lawmakers to the chamber.

“You have already seen some of them make the move. By the time we resume on Tuesday, you will hear of more Senators and House of Reps members defecting, especially from the PDP to the APC,” he said.

Bamidele also accused some opposition figures of being so desperate for power that they would entertain unconstitutional tactics.

“Some of them do not even mind a military coup. That is how desperate they are.”

He lambasted those who once claimed to be champions of democracy yet are now, according to him, plotting its unraveling.

“These are the same people who claimed they fought for democracy. But today, just because they are not in government, they want to do everything possible to bring an end to democracy in this country.”

During the same event, Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat dismissed rumblings about a nascent “Association of Defeated Candidates” as inconsequential.

“There is one group calling themselves the Association of Defeated Candidates, ADC or something like that,” he remarked, noting that such alliances would not destabilize the APC.

He defended President Bola Tinubu’s fiscal policies:

“When Tinubu became president, Nigeria was owing a lot, and the president has paid off those debts. To pay that amount, something must be sacrificed.”

According to Hamzat, critics are merely reacting to their political defeats.

“Naturally, the people he took over power from would be angry, and what we are seeing now is the result of that anger.”

Praising the local government’s infrastructural achievements, the deputy governor emphasized their significance.

“Some states are not even doing what our local governments are doing. The roads that our local government has completed are about 90. Our state is doing very well. We must not sit back and allow some group to come out and claim they are forming one coalition.”

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has reaffirmed her commitment to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in accordance with a court judgment that nullified her suspension from the Senate, even as Senate President Godswill Akpabio continues to appeal the ruling.

Speaking from her hometown of Ihima in Kogi State during a community empowerment programme, the senator declared her intention to return to the red chamber.

“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.

“I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision.”

Despite her suspension, the senator noted that she has continued to serve her constituents, although she admitted the Senate suspension hindered a core part of her role participation in legislative duties, particularly bill sponsorship.

“I did mention that every senator has three major functions. Legislative — which is the creation of laws and review of treaties. Then we have oversight — which is to oversee ministers and agencies. And then the third is representation — which I’m doing.

“Whereby I identify the problems and the challenges of my community, and I make sure I present them and have them captured in the federal budget. And I have done pretty well with that. Of course, I do miss putting up my bills there, but it didn’t stop me from working.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that she had formally informed the Senate of her intention to resume her seat on the stated date.

Her suspension on March 6, 2025, stemmed from alleged violations of Senate rules.

The move came in the wake of sexual harassment accusations she leveled against Senate President Akpabio. In response, she filed a lawsuit challenging the suspension, which the Federal High Court in Abuja overturned in July.

While the court directed the Senate to reinstate her, Akpabio has since filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, maintaining that the lower court’s decision should not stand.

The Senate caucus of the Labour Party (LP) has condemned what it described as an outrageous threat issued by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, against Mr. Peter Obi, the LP’s 2023 presidential flagbearer and former Governor of Anambra State.

Governor Okpebholo had allegedly warned that Obi’s safety could not be guaranteed if he entered Edo State again without first seeking the Governor’s permission.

This reported threat followed Obi’s recent visit to the state, during which he donated ₦15 million to a local nursing school.

Reacting strongly to the remarks, four LP Senators; Dr. Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Okey Ezea and Dr. Tony Nwoye, isued a joint statement describing the Governor’s comments as “unbecoming of a sitting Governor” and a “direct violation” of Obi’s constitutional rights.

Quoting Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the senators affirmed that all Nigerians have the inalienable right to move freely within the country. They stressed that no elected official has the authority to infringe on this freedom.

“Mr. Peter Obi, a respected Nigerian citizen, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to democratic values, good governance, and national development,” the senators stated.

“His visits to any part of Nigeria, including Edo State, are entirely within his constitutional rights and should not be met with hostility or political intimidation.”

The caucus called on Governor Okpebholo to immediately retract what they termed a reckless and unconstitutional statement, and to issue an unreserved public apology to Peter Obi and to Nigerians at large.

They also urged law enforcement and security agencies to intervene.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the DSS to take this threat seriously, carry out a thorough investigation, and take necessary steps to protect Mr. Obi, in line with the rights guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen.”

In conclusion, the LP Senate members warned against allowing political power to fuel lawlessness.

“Nigeria must not be allowed to descend into anarchy or lawlessness fueled by executive arrogance. The peace, unity, and democratic progress of our dear country must be protected at all costs,” the statement read.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has selected Barr. Donald Chidi Amamgbo as its candidate for the upcoming Anambra South Senatorial District bye-election scheduled for August 16, 2025.

Amamgbo emerged unopposed after two other aspirants, who had earlier shown interest in the ticket, voluntarily stepped down.

His emergence was affirmed during the party’s primary election, held by consensus.

The nomination process was initiated through a motion by Mr. Ndukuba Chinedu, Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Area, and seconded by Chief Anene Chukwudi, the Ihiala LGA Chairman.

The exercise followed the ADC’s constitutional procedures and primary election guidelines.

Comrade Patrick Obianyo, ADC’s Anambra State Chairman, affirmed that the party adhered strictly to due process in conducting the primaries.

“The primary election was in line with the Constitution and guidelines of the party concerning the conduct of primary elections,” Obianyo said.

Also present was Barr. Godson Okoye, Chairman of the ADC’s Board of Trustees, who highlighted the importance of the upcoming election.

“It would be the first election that the ADC would be going into since after the Coalition,” Okoye noted.

“And the entire Nigerians have come to embrace our party as the platform towards saving the future of our country.”

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was absent from the race as the party declined to field any of its two aspirants for the bye-election.

In his acceptance speech, Amamgbo promised to bring effective representation and people-oriented leadership to Anambra South.

“We shall storm Anambra South Senatorial District, and we all know that representation is about the people,” Amamgbo stated.

“As a Senator, I wish to assure you that the entire Anambra South Senatorial District would gain bountifully from my representation.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated his unwavering commitment to the unity, peace, and development of Nigeria, urging citizens to rise above ethnic and religious sentiments in the pursuit of national progress.

Obasanjo made this call on Friday when a delegation of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leaders visited him at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The delegation, led by Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a South-West NNPP leader and former Ogun State gubernatorial candidate, said the purpose of the visit was to seek the former president’s guidance on pressing national issues and strategies for strengthening the country amid rising socio-economic challenges.

Addressing the NNPP team, Obasanjo clarified that he remains politically neutral, with his sole allegiance being to Nigeria.

“I do not belong to any political party. I belong to Nigeria,” Obasanjo said.

“My interest is in the unity, peace and security of this nation. I will continue to speak the truth to move Nigeria forward.”

He lamented the growing erosion of patriotic values among Nigerians and the growing trend of prioritising tribal or sectional identities above national cohesion.

Obasanjo stressed that such attitudes were detrimental to leadership and national development.

The NNPP delegation comprised national officers, zonal representatives, women leaders, and youth stakeholders.

Speaking on behalf of the party, Prince Nweze Onu, NNPP National Vice Chairman (South-East), described the visit as purely consultative and non-political.

“This visit is not political. We are not here for coalition talks or negotiations. We came to seek Baba Obasanjo’s guidance as someone who has led this country and continues to provide leadership outside partisan lines,” Onu said.

Prince Ademola Ayoade, the party’s Vice Chairman (South-West), reinforced this position, stating that the meeting was about tapping into Obasanjo’s wealth of experience for direction on national unity and governance.

NNPP chieftain Olufemi Ajadi condemned the self-serving nature of modern-day Nigerian politics, urging a shift toward leadership that prioritises national interest over personal gain.

“We need to start electing visionary leaders who are genuinely committed to human development,” Ajadi said. “Politics should no longer be a game of personal interest. It must be about addressing the needs of the people.”

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, also lauded Obasanjo for being a statesman whose reputation rises above party divisions.

“chief obasanjo is not working for any political party. he is working for nigeria,” johnson remarked.

Several NNPP women leaders present at the meeting: Mrs. Ronnie Dikko-Killa, Lady Chinyere Ofokansi, Mrs. Erelu Tosin Sole, and Alhaja Shakirat Arowolo emphasized the need for more inclusive governance and enhanced female participation in politics.

From the youth wing, Malik Sannie and Teluwo Kehinde called for targeted youth empowerment policies and broader youth involvement in political and governance processes.

In his closing remarks, Obasanjo urged the NNPP to remain committed to fostering unity and implementing policies that serve the broader interest of all Nigerians.

“If Nigeria must move forward, it needs selfless leadership and a national mindset that transcends tribal politics,” Obasanjo said.

“Focus on what unites us and develop policies that put Nigeria first.”

Two Southeast governors have taken opposing stances on the creation of additional states within the region, part of the ongoing constitutional review process.

At a public hearing in Owerri on Saturday, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma advocated for the creation of at least two new states in the Southeast, framing it as a means to address what he described as “structural imbalance and political marginalisation of the Igbo people.”

“Every other zone has six or more states,” Uzodimma said.

“This imbalance has led to under-representation in critical national institutions, from the National Assembly to the Federal Executive Council. It has shrunk our voice and abridged our inclusivity.”

He proposed the establishment of “Anim State,” citing its potential to produce oil and expand local government representation.

He also suggested amending indigeneity laws to include those “born in a state or those who have resided there for over 10 years.”

“How else did Mallam Umaru Altine become the Mayor of Enugu in 1952, if not because he was accepted as an indigene?” he asked.

Uzodimma further urged the introduction of a rotational presidency across all six geopolitical zones, asserting:

“This is not about tokenism but national stability. If Nigerians know the presidency will rotate across zones, it will remove the fear of domination and deepen national inclusion.”

In contrast, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, speaking through his deputy Ikechukwu Emetu, voiced concerns about both the financial and administrative burden of creating more states.

“While I acknowledge the concerns of marginalised groups, I worry about the additional burden on Nigeria’s limited resources,” Otti said.

“Unless we identify independent sources of revenue, I do not share the optimism of those proposing new states.”

He cautioned that creating new states could overinflate government bureaucracy, and instead championed a people-centered governance model. Otti also strongly advocated for state policing, emphasizing the need for transparent standards.

“The federal policing structure has proved inadequate. Our people continue to suffer avoidable vulnerabilities,” he reasoned.

Deputy Speaker and Constitution Review Committee Chairman, Benjamin Kalu, praised the hearing as part of a historic effort to reshape Nigeria’s constitutional framework.

“The 2025 constitutional review process is the most comprehensive in our nation’s history,” Kalu commented.

“Our mandate is to ensure that every Nigerian is fairly represented and protected under the law.”