Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has suggested that former Governor James Ibori may soon join the All Progressives Congress (APC), days after both Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor made the remark on Tuesday during a vigil mass held at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local Government Area.

The service was in honour of the late former Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Utuama.

During his address, Governor Oborevwori underscored the importance of unity among Urhobo political leaders, using the moment to pay glowing tribute to Utuama.

“I’m glad to be present at this gathering, organised for one man whose life touched many. Today’s message speaks more to those of us still alive than to the departed,” he said.

He went on to recall a notable act of generosity by the late deputy governor: “While serving as Deputy Governor, he was given a plot of land in Asaba. Rather than keep it, he gave it to the Catholic Church and even helped fund the construction. To me, that’s a lasting investment in heaven.”

Oborevwori expressed hope that the late Utuama’s legacy would foster greater unity in Ughelli South and across the Urhobo nation.

“He led a meaningful life and passed on with dignity,” the governor added.

The Catholic Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. Anthony Ewherido, also paid tribute to Utuama’s life and service.

In his sermon, the Bishop highlighted the deceased’s commitment to both public service and the Church.

Bishop Ewherido extended his condolences to the bereaved family, urging them to uphold the values of humility, generosity, and godliness exemplified by the late professor.

He also reminded the congregation that death marks not an end but a transition into eternal life.

He called on political leaders in Delta State to continue working together for peace, growth, and development.

Governor Charles Soludo has announced the clearance of seven years’ worth of pension and gratuity arrears owed to retirees in Anambra State.

The declaration was made during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Awka, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants.

“In the area of gratuity of retired workforce, we have paid arrears of gratuity which we inherited when I came into office, and I am happy to report that except there is anyone who has not completed his or her documentation, we cleared the backlog of pension arrears of four years,” Soludo said.

He further detailed progress on pension payments, saying: “Similarly, for those who retired from the civil service that were also being owed four years of pensions amounting to N14 billion, I am happy to announce that we paid for 2018, paid 2019, paid 2020, and now it is remaining one year which is 2021, and it would be paid shortly.”

Reiterating his administration’s resolve to prioritize workers’ welfare despite economic challenges, the governor added “Within the available resources as a government, my commitment to the labour force is that we will continue to work very hard to improve the working conditions and welfare of our workforce.”

In his earlier remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Anambra State, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, commended the governor’s efforts but urged further reforms.

He called on the state government to commence immediate implementation of the contributory pension scheme, noting it was one of the key recommendations of a joint committee aimed at securing the future of retirees.

Nwafor also appealed for the prompt payment of outstanding allowances for non-teaching staff under the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and post-primary school service.

These workers, he noted, have yet to receive the approved 17.5 percent peculiarity allowance.

He stressed the need for parity, adding that non-teaching staff deserve “equitable treatment similar to the 27.5 percent granted to teachers.”

Additionally, Nwafor urged the full implementation of the approved Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUSS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHSS).

He further advocated for expanded training opportunities for workers and enhanced security in the state’s workforce system.

Amid rising political tension and shifting allegiances, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has ignited speculation about a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), likening his current party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to a faulty aircraft unfit for a 2027 political journey.

Speaking on Tuesday at a Town Square meeting in Ikot Akpankuk for the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, the governor drew a pointed analogy: “If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, won’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?”

While not explicitly declaring his departure from the PDP, Eno’s remarks have stirred widespread discussion and anticipation.

He, however, urged Akwa Ibom citizens to keep supporting his administration as it delivers on campaign promises.

Responding, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba dismissed the governor’s comments as speculative, reaffirming that Eno remains within the party fold.

He stressed that recent defections, such as Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s move to the APC, do not mirror the electorate’s sentiments.

He added: “It does not necessarily reflect the position of the electorate.” Ologunagba warned against creating a one-party state and urged citizens to protect democratic plurality.

He also cautioned President Bola Tinubu not to assume that defections guarantee electoral victory in 2027.

Former PDP spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan echoed these sentiments, asserting on Arise Television that the ruling APC itself is on the verge of internal crisis.

He pointed to growing dissatisfaction among blocs that formed the APC, especially the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

“It is the PDP bell that is ringing now, and everybody is talking about mass defection. I can assure you that very soon, it’s going to start with the APC,” he said.

“Even as you speak today, if you have your ears to the ground in the All Progressives Congress, you’re already aware that the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)… is in tatters, and that is the truth.”

He warned of an impending implosion and urged observers to pay attention to the CPC’s agitation and internal rifts.

PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor condemned the speculation of Eno’s defection, describing it as “very, very unfortunate.”

He insisted the governor have moral duty to remain in the party that has nurtured his political career for over two decades.

“When you assume that people possess integrity, class, and substance, it is deeply disappointing to discover they are, in fact, merely small men in oversized clothes and big shoes,” Osadolor said.

He urged Eno to focus on advancing reforms such as BVAS and iREV to ensure electoral transparency rather than defecting out of fear of being “rigged out.”

Meanwhile, sources close to Senate President Godswill Akpabio suggest that Eno’s potential defection is generating excitement in APC circles.

According to insiders, the move fits into a broader plan dubbed the “Lagos-Calabar” strategy to bring South-South states into APC control ahead of the party’s congresses in August.

“As we speak, only Bayelsa State is yet to join the moving train. But I can tell you that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Lokpobiri, is working hard,” a source said.

However, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka rejected claims of any official directive to dominate the region, calling them baseless.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, reacting to his 2023 running mate Ifeanyi Okowa’s defection to the APC, maintained a calm stance.

“Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar bears no grudges; he has said that, and he means it,” said his media aide Paul Ibe.

“As a democrat, he subscribes to the universality and constitutionality of the freedom of association.”

Ibe reiterated that Atiku remains committed to the PDP and has no plans to jump ship.

Yet not all voices within the PDP are aligned.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro faulted Atiku for failing to unite the party post-2023.

Speaking on Channels Television, Moro said: “Given his ambition to contest once more, I expected Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to have started from day one after the 2023 election to galvanise the PDP.”

Olisa Ifeajika, executive assistant to the Delta governor, clarified that Okowa never expressed regret over running with Atiku.

“In that (television) interview, there was no time when Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa said he regretted being Vice Presidential candidate,” he said.

He added that Okowa’s defection was informed by a realization that “PDP was already a sinking boat, a shadow of itself. The umbrella is torn, and it no longer covers anybody anymore.”

Meanwhile, PDP chieftain Dele Momodu argued that only a formidable Northern candidate can effectively challenge President Tinubu in 2027.

“Any Southerner who thinks they can challenge Tinubu is likely wasting their time,” he said on Arise TV.

Momodu underscored the importance of strategic coalition-building, suggesting figures like Rabiu Kwankwaso as key to mounting an effective opposition.

In a related development, Delta Governor Oborevwori has confirmed that former Governor James Ibori will be officially welcomed into the APC, despite his informal ties with the party in recent years.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is pushing for bold reforms aimed at enhancing electoral credibility and transparency across Nigeria.

A key component of the proposed reforms involves amending the nation’s electoral laws to remove the President’s power to appoint Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

INEC, through its Special Adviser to the Chairman, Prof. Mohammad Kuna, unveiled this proposal during a retreat held in Lagos with members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.

According to Kuna, the commission is advocating for a restructuring of the REC position, which would now be known as State Directors of Elections, and their appointments would be handled solely by INEC.

“The proposal is essential to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the electoral process,” Kuna stated, emphasizing the need to limit executive influence over electoral operations at the state level.

Currently, RECs play a pivotal role in coordinating elections within their respective states, including Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship, and State Assembly polls.

Explaining the current structure, Kuna said: “The REC, who is assisted by relevant government agencies, undertakes the Presidential, National Assembly, Gubernatorial, and House of Assembly elections in a state and acts pursuant to powers delegated to him or her by INEC’s Chairman and 12 commissioners.”

He further added: “Among the duties of the REC is to make available all the materials required to conduct an election and to monitor the activities of all ad hoc staff, as well as providing for the proper verification of election results.”

Under the existing legal framework, Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution empowers the President to appoint RECs. Section 6(1) of the Electoral Act further states: “A person appointed to the office of a Resident Electoral Commissioner shall (a) be answerable to the Commission; and (b) hold office for a term of five years from the date of his or her appointment which may be renewable for another term of five years and no more.”

Moreover, Section 3 provides for the removal of RECs by the President, but only with the backing of a two-thirds majority of the Senate.

It reads: “The Resident Electoral Commissioner appointed under the Constitution may only be removed by the President, acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that the Resident Electoral Commissioner be so removed for inability to perform the functions of the office, whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause, or for misconduct.”

INEC believes that centralizing the appointment and disciplinary authority within the commission would bolster its independence and ensure elections are administered free from undue political interference.

Edeoga, who commands strong grassroots followership has emboldened others to retrace their steps to the PDP

Since the return of Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, the Labour Party’s Governorship candidate in the 2023 general election in Enugu State, the party has continued to suffer the loss of key stakeholders, particularly elected officials.

Edeoga officially returned to the People’s Democratic Party on March 31, 2025, following overtures from the leadership of the party for him to rejoin it’s fold.

This he did after wide consultations with political associates, party faithful and community leaders.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that his defection has since triggered a wave of political realignment in the state, with several notable figures following suit.

On Thursday, three prominent Labour Party members resigned their membership and rejoined the PDP.

They include Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta, member representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; his Igbo-Eze North/Udenu counterpart, Hon. Dennis Agbo; and Hon. Malachy Onyechi, member representing Nsukka West in the Enugu State House of Assembly.

Welcoming the lawmakers into the party, the State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, described their return as a homecoming that would strengthen the party ahead of future political contests.

He commended their courage and described them as leaders who have placed the interest of their people above personal ambition.

On his part, former Labour Party governorship candidate, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, thanked the lawmakers for their bold decision, saying it reflected the people’s growing confidence in the PDP under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah.

Edeoga expressed optimism that the returnees would contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state.

Speaking at the PDP State secretariat, Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta expressed confidence that aligning with the PDP would better serve the interests of his constituents.

He praised the leadership of the PDP under Governor Mbah and reaffirmed his commitment to effective representation and people-centered service.

Hon. Dennis Agbo, representing Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, cited the need for unity, stability, and purposeful governance as his motivation for returning to the PDP.

He emphasized that the time had come for leaders to work together in the best interest of Enugu State.

Hon. Malachy Onyechi also expressed gratitude for the warm reception by the PDP family, noting that his return was in line with his commitment to better service delivery and development in Nsukka West