Segun Sowunmi, an ally of Atiku Abubakar, has explained why he would consider leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), following his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

The former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 presidential campaign said he would exit the PDP if party leaders “insist on destroying” the party.

Speaking during an interview on TVC’s Your View on Tuesday, Sowunmi expressed his admiration for the APC, noting that President Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, are stable leaders.

He emphasized, “Unlike other leaders, Tinubu and Buhari don’t jump from one political tendency to the other.”

He stated clearly, “Let me be very upfront. I’ve always said and I’ve said it many times over, if I ever leave the PDP, damn, I’m going to the APC.”

“And why is that? Because at least I can accept that the two main pillars of the APC, President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are stable people.”

“They don’t jump from one political tendency to the other, and have been damn stable too since 1998.”

Sowunmi also shared that before making any move to the ruling party, he would first consult his friend, Felix Morka, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, to understand the party’s constitution.

He said, “If I have to go to the APC, I will first of all visit my friend Felix Morka. I will have a sit down with him. I’ll ask for the constitution of the party, I will read it.”

Additionally, Sowunmi condemned the coalition movement led by Atiku, his principal, revealing his disagreement with the efforts.

The former governorship candidate in Ogun State, who claims to have spent about 27 years in the PDP, expressed irritation over the coalition talks.

He said, “One of the reasons why I’m irritated by this talk of coalition that they are doing is that I can’t imagine how decent political people will think that it is their responsibility to be looking for new platform every season.”

“I don’t agree. So if I must leave, I must at least go to where I think they can also be stable forever.”

As a known critic of President Tinubu and his administration, Sowunmi has recently praised the President following their meeting.

He told Channels Television that the visit allowed him to ask questions and better understand Tinubu’s policies.

He maintained, “I could work with Tinubu,” adding that he has known him since 1994.

Sowunmi claimed, “President Tinubu is smarter than all his political rivals, including Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party.”

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed two motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who sought to challenge a Federal High Court ruling that barred the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from investigating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The court not only struck out the motions but also awarded ₦100,000 in costs in favor of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The dispute stems from an altercation between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan on February 20, 2025, after which the Senate Committee initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Kogi Central senator.

However, a Federal High Court ruling by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on March 10, 2025, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, halted the committee’s actions.

The injunction followed an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team.

In response, Akpabio filed two motions on March 20 and 25, 2025, asking the Appeal Court to allow him to challenge the lower court’s ruling.

His legal representative, Deborah D. Anyanwu, argued for:

“AN ORDER of this Honourable Court enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may seek leave to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division delivered on 10th March 2025 on grounds of mixed law and fact as contained in the proposed Notice of Appeal attached as Exhibit B.”

She further requested:

“AN ORDER of this Honourable Court granting leave to the Appellant/Applicant to appeal against the decision.

“AN ORDER enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may file their Notice of Appeal… and AN ORDER… staying further proceeding… pending the hearing and determination of the Appellant/Applicant’s appeal.”

However, Akpabio’s legal team later applied to withdraw the motions.

In its ruling delivered on May 21, 2025, a three-member panel led by Justice Hamma A. Barka, with Justices Adebukunola A. Banjoko and Okon E. Abang concurring, struck out the motions.

“It is hereby ordered that: Application seeking to withdraw the two Motions dated and filed on the 20/3/2025 and 25/3/2025 is granted and same struck out.”

“Cost of ₦100,000 awarded to the 1st Respondent. Appeal No: CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025 to be deleted,” the ruling read.

According to the enrolled order signed by Deputy Chief Registrar, Josephine J. Ekperobe, the court granted the withdrawal and removed the appeal from its records.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier asked the Federal High Court to stop the Senate and its committee from continuing any disciplinary action against her, arguing:

“I pray the court to grant an order restraining the Senate and its ethics committee from proceeding with the purported investigation.”

She also urged the court to declare that:

“Any action taken during the pendency of this suit is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”

Justice Egwuatu had ordered the defendants to respond within 72 hours of being served, explaining why an interlocutory injunction should not be issued.

Despite this, Akpabio moved to challenge the ruling, only to later backtrack and withdraw the motions, culminating in the appeal court’s latest decision and cost sanction.

President Bola Tinubu has advised Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to remain focused on his duties and ignore detractors.

The President made the remarks on Tuesday during the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated and refurbished International Conference Centre in Abuja, which has now been renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by key political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President’s Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, FCT Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud, and several federal ministers.

While commending Wike for his work in the capital, Tinubu encouraged him to dismiss distractions.

“Don’t pay attention to busybodies and the bystanders, and whatever they say. Continue with your good work. You are a transformational leader. You have the vision, foresight and determination to succeed,” the President said.

He added that the refurbished conference centre represents a broader vision of national transformation:

“The refurbished international conference centre is part of our determined efforts to change the way we do things, to reflect us as people of quality, people of character, people of determination, people of great spirits, that’s what we are.”

“And I am glad, Nyesom Wike, you are reflecting that.”

President Tinubu emphasized that modern infrastructure is essential for economic development and national progress.

“Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are determined to renew the infrastructural and other key sectors of this country (including) transportation, healthcare, education, energy and urban development.”

“Because we understand that modern infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving economy in an inclusive and progressive society.”

He further stated that the conference centre’s revival underscores Nigeria’s commitment to international engagement and strategic development goals.

“The rehabilitated conference centre is a reflection of Nigeria’s commitment to regional diplomacy, continental trade discussions, global partnerships, and many more thoughtful, well-outlined goals that reflect our Nigerian first.”

In a lighter moment, Tinubu addressed his political associates and appointees, reminding them that the use of the new facility would not come without cost.

“You must obey what the landlord says. You want to use this place, you gonna pay for it,” he said, reinforcing an earlier point by Wike that usage of the halls would attract fees.

Wike, a leading figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former governor of Rivers State, joined Tinubu’s cabinet in August 2023.

Despite being from the opposition, he was appointed to the APC-led government, a move that stirred political commentary.

He was later joined in October 2024 by Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who became Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

The President’s show of support for Wike comes amid increased political scrutiny, with critics often questioning his position in the APC administration.

“Don’t pay attention to the busybodies and bystanders. Whatever they say, continue your good work,” Tinubu reiterated.

The leadership camp of the Labour Party (LP) under National Chairman Julius Abure has distanced the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government from the crisis currently destabilizing the party, instead accusing Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti of being the real architects of the turmoil.

This rebuttal comes a day after Obi, the LP’s 2023 presidential flag bearer, blamed the federal government for instigating divisions in the party.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Monday, Obi said:

“This is what you get, always, right? This is what you get always in Nigeria, because we now live in a country of propaganda and lies, and they manufacture it.”

“The problem we have in Labour Party is a problem instigated and sustained by the government of today.
I don’t need to tell you when you have a party chairman who calls a state governor a dwarf and dwarf thinking. Forget about me, so it’s not weak.”

“Okay, I’m weak, but it’s not weak. Is every other person there weak? So we’re not sincere with ourselves.”

“You speak the truth and they call you names. And we now live in a country of propaganda and lies. They are trying to put problems everywhere, they want to even put problems in families.”

In response, the Abure-led faction, through National Secretary Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, dismissed Obi’s claims, accusing him of deliberate misinformation and refusing to own up to his role in the party’s leadership crisis.

“It is therefore pertinent to put on record that the problem with the Labour Party was not created by the ruling party (APC), rather the problem in the Labour Party was created and sustained by Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, who is presently serving suspension for anti-party activities.”

“We dare Obi to produce any tangible or intangible evidence which suggests remotely or otherwise that the Abure leadership of the Labour Party is on the bed with the APC-led government.”

The LP leadership also challenged Obi to take responsibility for what they see as failed leadership.

“Nobody is infallible and it behoves on anyone who makes mistakes to be bold enough to own it. When good leaders fail, they should own up to their responsibilities.”

“Obi failed in providing leadership for the party. He should own up to his mistakes. It is therefore shameful for Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti to continue to accuse the government of infiltrating Labour Party and by so doing demarketing the party.”

Revisiting the past, the Abure faction highlighted the support the party offered Obi during his 2023 presidential campaign:

“This same government was in existence in 2022 when the party made six aspirants, including Prof. Pat Utomi to step down for Peter Obi as the party’s candidate.”

“The government was in existence when the party crisscrossed all the nooks and crannies of the country including the insecurity prone areas campaigning for Peter Obi in 2022 and 2023.”

“The government was in existence when the national chairman, Julius Abure travelled across Europe and the United States to galvanise support for Peter Obi.”

“The government was also in existence when the party leadership mobilised its members across the state leading to over six million votes won during the election.”

They further claimed that peace existed in the party until Obi and Otti allegedly created a parallel leadership structure in Abia State:

“It was the same leadership that you claimed has been infiltrated that stood with Peter Obi throughout the tribunal and up to the Supreme Court.”

“The same Abure appeared in court more than Obi refusing to be cowed when a splinter group wanted to hijack the process.”

“For the record, there was no problem in the Labour Party until Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti went to Umuahia, Abia State to create an illegal and unconstitutional Caretaker Committee that polarized the party. And may I ask, is it the ruling party that sent Obi and Otti to Umuahia to create a division in the party?”

They also referenced the court rulings which upheld Abure’s leadership, accusing Obi and Otti of ignoring legal verdicts in a bid to forcefully seize control of the party:

“They were also aware that the courts; from the lower court up to the Supreme Court clearly affirmed the leadership of the party, but Peter Obi and Alex Otti surreptitiously plotted to hijack the leadership of the party by instigating the division.”

“Again, is it the government in power that created the division or forced them to march to INEC headquarters to exhibit their ignorance?”

Addressing the controversial exchange of insults between Abure and Otti, the camp defended the chairman’s remarks as a response to earlier provocations:

“For Peter Obi to be responding to the comment where the National Chairman referred to the governor as being dwarfy in knowledge, we want to say clearly that there is no action without a reaction.

The National Chairman was only responding to a pejorative comment made by the governor wherein he referred to the National Chairman as ‘masturbating’.

The governor neither retracted nor apologised for that reckless statement. He showed utter disrespect to the constituted authority of the party; to the man who went out of his way to help him achieve his ambition to be a governor.”

They argued that Otti’s stance displayed a misunderstanding of the legal and political situation:

“If the governor is not limited or dwarfy in knowledge, he would have appreciated the import of the Supreme Court judgement which practically resolved the crisis in the party but these men were only blinded by their inordinate desire to wrestle the party from the present leadership.”

Farouk Ibrahim stated that the party is now focused on rebuilding:

“The party leadership has moved on since the Supreme Court judgement and we are working hard to reposition the party, to restore confidence in our members, and prevent further membership hemorrhage being witnessed across virtually all opposition parties in Nigeria today.”

He concluded by reminding Obi and his allies of the loyalty the party had once shown them:

“Labour Party will never go into any alliance with any other party to betray our candidates. We had every opportunity in 2023 to do so, but we chose to stand by Peter Obi and even Alex Otti before and even after the general election, when their matters were in court, but we were very consistent because of the bigger picture.”

“And now that they have failed in their plot to dislodge a lawful leadership, they have simply resorted to blackmail instead of showing gratitude.”

“One takeaway from Obi’s interview is that he has acknowledged that Abure is the National Chairman of the Labour Party as he clearly stated.”

“We are therefore calling on Peter Obi and other aggrieved members of the party to understand and digest the fact that Barrister Julius Abure leadership has come to stay and nothing can change.”

Opposition lawmakers in Nigeria have voiced strong support for embattled Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that he should not be blamed if he chooses to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to them, the real betrayal lies with his current party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The comments come amid growing speculation over Fubara’s possible shift to the APC, following a high-profile visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of the opposition bloc, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere released a statement on Tuesday asserting that the PDP’s internal missteps are the root cause of the current political tensions.

“Well, if Governor Fubara eventually joins the APC, he should not be blamed, but his party, the PDP, betrayed him.”

“It will not be his fault but that of the PDP, which gave the former governor, Nyesom Wike, a serving minister in the APC government, the party’s structure,” the statement read.

The lawmakers criticized the PDP for ceding too much influence to former Governor Nyesom Wike, who now holds a ministerial position in President Tinubu’s cabinet.

According to them, the decision to hand over the party’s political structure to Wike has significantly undermined Fubara’s leadership.

They also condemned the PDP’s perceived silence and inaction during the political crisis in Rivers State, especially when some legislators, who later defected to the APC, allegedly attempted to impeach Governor Fubara.

“PDP equally supported the lawmakers who decamped to the APC against the governor and wanted to impeach him, but his party did little or nothing to protect Fubara as its leadership was busy hobnobbing with Wike,” the lawmakers said.

Following Fubara’s suspension and the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, the opposition accused PDP leadership of offering only superficial responses.

“Even after his suspension, what did PDP do to help Fubara apart from issuing mere statements to condemn the president’s action in the afternoon and support it in the night?” the statement added.