The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Maria Oligbi-Edeko, has officially resigned her position.

Her resignation was announced on Monday during plenary at the Assembly complex in Benin City, the state capital, according to a report by Daily Trust.

Oligbi-Edeko, who represents Esan North-East II Constituency, stepped down from her role following the defection of several members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including the Speaker, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The mass defection effectively reduced the PDP to a minority in the Assembly.

She was first elected Deputy Speaker on June 16, 2023, during the inauguration of the 8th Assembly.

Following her resignation, the lawmakers unanimously elected Hon. Osamwonyi Atu, who represents Orhionmwon East under the APC, as the new Deputy Speaker.

In her resignation letter, Oligbi-Edeko stated that her decision was guided by the principles of “justice, fairness, and equity” to ensure all constituencies in the state are equally represented.

“I wish to express my gratitude to the leaders and members of the PDP for giving me the opportunity to serve,” she said.

Meanwhile, the House moved quickly to honor her service.

The Majority Leader, Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan, proposed a motion that all entitlements due to the office of Deputy Speaker be accorded to Oligbi-Edeko.

The motion was seconded by Minority Leader, Hon. Charity Airobarueghian, and unanimously adopted by the Assembly members.

The lawmakers praised Oligbi-Edeko for her commitment, integrity, and passion for public service during her time in office.

The leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has tendered an unreserved apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what it described as “reckless” comments made by its former presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday, the NNPP dissociated itself from Kwankwaso’s recent outbursts, stressing that his remarks do not represent the official stance of the party.

“Kwankwaso’s derogatory remarks against President Bola Tinubu did not in any way reflect the party’s position,” the statement read.

The party further stated that Kwankwaso should no longer be regarded as a member or the National Leader of the NNPP, warning him to stop using the party’s platform to launch personal political attacks.

“The recent outburst and attacks on the personality of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his expelled group are views and positions of his Kwankwasiyya group and not that of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP,” Oginni stated.

He extended a formal apology to President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) family led by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, describing Kwankwaso’s actions as a breach of NNPP’s core principles.

Oginni also reaffirmed that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Elder Buba Galadima, and former members of the party’s National Working Committee, led by Dr. Ahmed Ajuji, had been expelled from the NNPP.

He noted that this expulsion was validated by rulings from both the Abia State High Court and the FCT High Court in Abuja.

Meanwhile, Senator Kwankwaso has denied speculations suggesting he is planning a return to the APC.

In a direct rebuttal, he claimed President Tinubu had reached out to him with an invitation to rejoin the ruling party.

“Without a doubt, Tinubu pleaded with me to return and even promised that any condition I set would be met for my return to the APC.”

“But I refused his offer and made it clear that I would rather quit politics altogether than go back to the APC,” Kwankwaso said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, he added, “We will build a strong political movement that will end APC’s rule.”

Professor Victor Nnam, the former Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Enugu State, has taken a swipe on Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, former Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and criticism of the party’s leadership.

In his resignation letter addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Udenu Local Government Area, Hon. Ezeugwu cited internal discontent with the party’s operations as his reason for quitting.

He alleged that the party leadership had betrayed its values.

According to him, “merit was frequently sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity and deceit.”

“I thank God for giving me the wisdom to reject a gift of a Trojan Horse then. I was slated to have been economically grounded and politically ridiculed, but they forgot that my name is IKECHUKWU,” he wrote.

“For me, trust is a fundamental aspect of any relationship, and without it, relationships can become challenging to maintain.”

Reacting to the letter, Professor Nnam accused Ezeugwu of hypocrisy and questioned his decision to speak out only after leaving office.

“He is just a sycophant who shouldn’t be taken seriously. If not, why is he crying foul now? Why didn’t he tell the world since 2022?” Nnam asked.

“One wonders why Ikechukwu Ezeugwu suddenly found his voice and started attacking the man who made him. Why is he attacking an administration he was fully part of?”

“Without former governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who is Ikechukwu Ezeugwu? The former governor made him and even gave him a third-term ticket against the zoning arrangement in Udenu.”

Addressing reports that Ezeugwu accused the PDP of deceiving him into undertaking constituency projects in exchange for a return ticket, Professor Nnam responded “So a third-term House member needs to be deceived before he can empower his own people? That’s laughable.”

On Ezeugwu’s legislative record, the university don challenged his credibility.

“As a former leader of the state assembly, what was his track record?”

“During his 12-year tenure in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Ikechukwu Ezeugwu was widely perceived as arrogant, self-serving, and politically treacherous.”

“Ezeugwu benefited immensely from the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. He was reportedly allocated prime landed property in high-value areas during his time in office.”

“Notably, he once sponsored a controversial bill seeking to provide pension benefits for former governors and their deputies. However, the bill was eventually dropped following widespread public outrage.”

“His recent resignation from the PDP is driven by personal frustration after being denied a fourth term in the House, an ambition that would have extended his stay to 16 years. Now, he appears to be shifting blame onto Gburugburu for his political woes.”

“Even the Speaker of the House did not receive the kind of benefits Ikechukwu Ezeugwu enjoyed as a member. He was, in fact, the highest beneficiary of the past administration.” he concluded.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that Hon. Ezeugwu represented Udenu Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly from 2011 to 2023 and served as the Assembly Leader from 2015 to 2023.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has clarified that he will not run against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Wike’s recent request for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to zone its presidential ticket to the South sparked speculation that he might contest against Tinubu.

However, during an interview with BBC News Pidgin over the weekend, Wike was quick to dispel these rumors, stating, “I will not contest. Why will I contest against someone I’m working for?”

The minister reaffirmed his commitment to the Tinubu administration, emphasizing that he had no intentions of challenging the President in 2027.

He further expressed confidence that, at the moment, there is no significant opposition figure capable of defeating Tinubu in the upcoming election.

“I will not contest again. I cannot contest against someone I am working with. Who will win except him?” Wike remarked.

Regarding the PDP’s presidential ticket, Wike said, “They said they would zone it to the South, let them zone first. When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it.”

Turning to political matters in his home state of Rivers, Wike, a former governor of the state, addressed the ongoing crisis involving the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike described Fubara as his political son, insisting there was no personal feud between them.

“I cannot fight my son,” Wike said.

“It’s not a battle against Fubara. It’s those people who have been pushing him against me.”

The political rift between Wike and Fubara has led to tensions in Rivers State, culminating in a political crisis that included the burning of the state House of Assembly and mass defections.

In response to the crisis, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in March, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd) as the state’s administrator to restore governance and stability.

Many observers speculated that Wike played a key role in prompting the state of emergency, possibly to weaken Fubara’s hold on the state’s politics.

However, Wike dismissed this, saying, “That one is not a battle. He (Fubara) is my boy, he is my son, why will I fight with him? I’m only fighting against people who want to steal what they did not work for. Now, they are ashamed because they are being defeated. They are the ones pushing Fubara.”

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has announced plans to formally merge with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in what both parties describe as a major step toward building a stronger, value-driven opposition bloc in Nigeria.

The development was made public at a joint press conference held in Abuja on Sunday, where leaders of both parties expressed optimism about the merger and its potential to reshape Nigeria’s political terrain.

Speaking at the briefing, PRP National Chairman, Falalu Bello, said the decision to collapse the party’s structure into the ADC was driven by a shared commitment to democratic reform, economic revival, and ideological clarity.

“We invite other political parties that share our visions and values to join us in this endeavour as we work together to advance democracy. Together, we can build a brighter future for Nigeria” Bello said.

He lamented the deterioration of Nigeria’s electoral process, citing widespread malpractices during the 2023 general elections, off-cycle governorship contests, and local government polls.

“Democracy is not merely a concept but a process requiring vigilance, refinement and commitment to certain ethical standards from all stakeholders, especially those in State authority,” he said.

“Political actors employed Machiavellian tactics to undermine the sanctity of the electoral process, thereby eroding public trust in democracy. We must foster transparency, uphold the rule of law and hold accountable those who seek to undermine our democratic values.”

Turning to economic issues, Bello described Nigeria’s current situation as “unsustainable,” referencing skyrocketing inflation, rising unemployment, and waning investor confidence.

“Our nation, which has rightly been labelled the poverty capital of the world, has the potential to be a beacon of economic prosperity in Africa,” he said.

“However, the rise in unemployment, rampant food inflation surpassing 39.16%, and the exodus of investors illustrate an urgent need for corrective measures.”

On his part, ADC National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, emphasized the importance of forming a political legacy that transcends election cycles and personality politics.

“Those of us involved in this democratic journey will have failed if we do not come together to create parties that will become legacies for the future,” Nwosu stated.

He added that the merged platform would serve as a rallying point for Nigerians across all backgrounds who seek genuine reform and principled governance.

“We call upon all Nigerians across all political affiliations, ethnicities, and religions to join us in this noble struggle towards a just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria,” Nwosu said.

“Our doors are open to everyone, but we have clear principles. We aim to be value-driven, with clear economic positions and a strong commitment to democracy. Any politician in Nigeria who shares these values is welcome to join us.”

The PRP-ADC merger is expected to strengthen opposition efforts heading into the 2027 elections, particularly as other political realignments, including talks involving the PDP, Labour Party, and other blocs, remain in flux.