The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 election, Yusuf Buhari, alongside the party’s Kano State governorship candidate, Bala Gwagwarawa, and their supporters, have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection, which took place on Tuesday, was facilitated by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin.

The defectors were formally received in Abuja by Barau, the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Among those who joined Buhari and Gwagwarawa in switching allegiance were 38 SDP local government chairmen and secretaries, 13 House of Assembly candidates, six House of Representatives candidates, and members of the party’s State Working Committee.

The move comes just a week after former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, left the APC for the SDP.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, Barau dismissed any speculation that the SDP could challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, declaring that such a plan was “dead on arrival.”

“Those who have been moving around the country, trying to woo people to the SDP, and thinking their effort will give birth to a platform that will challenge the APC in the next election, their idea has been confirmed dead on arrival.

“People have rejected that invitation. The former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, and others who have been mentioned have also said no. To add salt to an injury, those in the SDP are now moving to the APC.

“Today, the vice presidential candidate, the governorship candidate in Kano State, and other heavyweights in the SDP have joined the APC,” he said.

Ganduje, represented by APC National Vice Chairman (South), Emma Eneukwu, welcomed the new members, assuring them of equal opportunities within the party.

Describing the defection as a transition from “darkness to light,” Ganduje emphasized APC’s commitment to inclusivity under Tinubu’s leadership.

“APC is a party of inclusion, where every member enjoys equal rights to contest elections and contribute to nation-building,” he stated.

Former Kano State Governor, Senator Kabiru Gaya, also dismissed any potential threat from the SDP, asserting that the party had lost its influence.

“The party is dead because its Vice Presidential Candidate is here, the Governorship Candidate is also here, just as its other stakeholders.
“So I’m sure today we are celebrating the burial of that party.

“I will say kudos to the Deputy Senate President for your effort to bring these important and heavyweight politicians to our party,” he remarked.

Speaking on their decision, Buhari said they were influenced by the achievements of Tinubu’s administration.

“When this government came into power under Asiwaju, there were a lot of problems on the ground. Even though we know that the former administration has done a lot, there are still a lot of problems on the ground.

“Amongst them was the issue of insecurity. The subsidy regime has gone upside down. And because of that, President Bola Tinubu had to instil very strong and painful economic reforms. Whenever you try to come up with reforms, there have to be pains.

“But after two years, we are beginning to see the economic policies yielding fruits. The foreign exchange is beginning to stabilize. Prices of goods are coming down. Insecurity is being addressed by our military, by our brave armed forces,” he explained.

On his part, Gwagwarawa said he and his supporters felt the need to return to their former party, citing the APC-led government’s performance over the past 18 months.

“I am part and parcel of the founders of APC. Today, we decided to come back to APC because now the country is being governed by someone who knows politics and the terrain of democracy.

“We are talking about someone who stood for democracy and believes in working hard to make this country better. That is His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated.

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has set April 16, 2025, as the date for its ruling on an application seeking the dismissal of a defection case filed by the Labour Party against 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The Labour Party is requesting the court to declare the seats of the lawmakers vacant, alleging that they defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

During the hearing, counsel for the defendants, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, argued for the case to be struck out, citing a recent Supreme Court judgment.

Presenting a Certified True Copy of the judgment, the defense counsel emphasized that the Supreme Court had reinstated the Amaewhule-led leadership of the Assembly.

He further pointed out that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who initially raised allegations of defection, had withdrawn his claims at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

On the other hand, counsel for the Labour Party, Clifford Chukwu, argued that the issue of defection was a “collateral matter” before the Supreme Court and urged the court not to dismiss the case based on the evidence already presented.

It will be recalled that on February 29, the Supreme Court ruled that, in the absence of substantiated evidence, no legal defection had taken place, thereby upholding the existing structure of the Assembly.

Speaking to Channels Television after the court session, Chukwu stated that he had presented his arguments, and only the ruling on April 16 would determine whether the submissions made by the defendants’ counsel would be upheld.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an unnecessary and politically motivated decision.

The move has also drawn sharp criticism from the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), and other stakeholders, who accuse the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of fueling the crisis for his political gain.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, IYC President Dr. Alaye Theophilus rejected the emergency declaration, insisting that the situation in Rivers State did not warrant such drastic action.

He accused Wike of orchestrating the standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state legislature in a bid to maintain his influence over the state.

“We will never accept the decision of Mr. President to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. This crisis has been engineered by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. We urge the President to reconsider this decision,” Theophilus stated.

He further alleged that the recent attacks on critical infrastructure, including the Trans-Niger oil pipeline, were staged to justify federal intervention.

“It is unheard of for the President to declare a state of emergency when peaceful resolutions are still possible. Governor Fubara has shown a willingness to dialogue, but Wike and his loyalists in the House of Assembly remain confrontational,” he added.

PANDEF, the foremost socio-political group advocating for the interests of the Niger Delta, also condemned the decision.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Robinson, described the move as an attack on democracy and a plot to undermine the region’s political stability.

“Declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State is a dangerous precedent. This is nothing but a ploy to destabilize the Niger Delta and impose an illegitimate leadership,” Robinson said.

The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, outrightly rejected the emergency rule, describing it as unconstitutional.

“The President does not have the power to arbitrarily suspend a democratically elected governor and impose an unelected individual. This is an assault on the will of the people and an attempt to suppress opposition,” Ologunagba stated.

Similarly, the CUPP, through its spokesperson, Ikenga Ugochinyere, accused Wike of using his influence within the federal government to manipulate the situation.

“This so-called emergency rule is nothing but a political coup. Wike has been at the center of this crisis, and now the federal government is rewarding him with total control over Rivers State,” Ugochinyere remarked.

Amid widespread condemnation, political and civil society groups have called on President Tinubu to reverse the decision.

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) President, Professor Benjamin Okaba, warned that the action could lead to unrest in the Niger Delta.

“This is a reckless abuse of power. If the government fails to reverse this decision, it risks provoking resistance from the people,” Okaba said.

Despite mounting pressure, the federal government has yet to respond to the growing outcry over the controversial state of emergency.

Meanwhile, supporters of Governor Fubara have vowed to resist any attempt to remove him from office, raising concerns about possible escalations in the crisis.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has launched a TikTok page, days after former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai joined the platform.

Obi made the announcement on Tuesday via his X handle, informing his supporters about his official presence on the social media app.

“This is my official and only TikTok page. Kindly join me towards building a new Nigeria that is possible,” Obi wrote.

The former Anambra State governor also shared a video encouraging people to follow him, reinforcing his vision of a “new Nigeria that is possible.”

Meanwhile, El-Rufai had set up his own TikTok page last Wednesday, using it to engage Nigerians on political issues and his association with the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In a video introducing his page, he stated, “This is my only and official TikTok page. Please join me for videos, comments, and conversations on Nigerian politics, as well as the activities of our new party, Social Democratic Party (SDP). Welcome on board.”

El-Rufai’s TikTok presence gained rapid traction, amassing over 200,000 followers within a day. His bio on the platform describes him as an “accidental public servant, certified ruffler of feathers, and deliberate SDP member.”

His move to TikTok comes after his departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a dramatic turn of events, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered a double blow within 24 hours, as the party’s national secretariat was revoked by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, and President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.

On Monday, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announced the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of ground rent. Among the affected properties was the PDP National Secretariat.

A notice dated March 13, 2025, and signed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration, stated that the opposition party had failed to pay its annual ground rent for two decades, from January 1, 2006, to January 1, 2025.

Despite multiple reminders published in national newspapers and electronic media, the party did not settle its outstanding bills.

“I am to further inform you that the subject property (Plot No. 243 Central Area, Cadastral Zone A00, Abuja) has thus reverted to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, and the Administration will take immediate possession thereof,” Nwankwoeze stated on behalf of the minister.

Reacting to the development, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, condemned the revocation, calling it “a drive towards totalitarianism and an attempt to stifle opposition.”

He also revealed that the revocation order extended to both the temporary and permanent offices of the party, describing it as a threat to democracy.

As the PDP leadership convened an emergency meeting to address the issue, another political storm hit the party.

President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, which is governed by the PDP.

The president justified his decision by citing threats from militants who had vowed to destroy oil pipelines if Governor Siminalayi Fubara was impeached.

He stated that his efforts to mediate the crisis had failed due to the refusal of the warring parties to compromise.

To manage the situation, Tinubu appointed a retired naval officer to oversee the state’s affairs for six months, effectively sidelining Fubara and the state lawmakers.

The move sparked outrage from PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who strongly criticized Tinubu’s decision.

In a statement he personally signed on Tuesday night, Atiku accused the president of interfering in the Rivers crisis for political gain.

“Anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that Bola Tinubu has been a vested partisan actor in the political turmoil engulfing Rivers. His blatant refusal — or calculated negligence — in preventing this escalation is nothing short of disgraceful.

“Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the President’s desk. Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent.

“It is an unforgivable failure that under Tinubu’s watch, the Niger Delta has been thrown back into an era of violent unrest and instability — undoing the hard-won peace secured by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Years of progress have been recklessly erased in pursuit of selfish political calculations.

“If federal infrastructure in Rivers has been compromised, the President bears full responsibility. Punishing the people of Rivers State just to serve the political gamesmanship between the governor and Tinubu’s enablers in the federal government is nothing less than an assault on democracy and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources (2010-2015), has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of misleading courts into granting forfeiture orders against her properties.

She alleges that the anti-graft agency suppressed and misrepresented facts to obtain the orders.

Ahead of the scheduled auction of her properties on Monday, Alison-Madueke filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to stop the EFCC from proceeding with the sale.

She contends that the agency violated her fundamental human rights by denying her a fair hearing.

Through her legal counsel, Mike Ozekhome, the former minister is requesting the court to compel the EFCC to recover and return all her properties that have already been sold.

Since leaving office in 2015, Alison-Madueke has faced allegations of bribery, fraud, misuse of public funds, and money laundering, leading to a prolonged legal battle with the EFCC.

In her application, she maintains that she was never given the opportunity to defend herself before her assets were confiscated.

“In many cases, the final forfeiture orders were made against properties which affected the applicant’s interest.

“The courts were misled into making the final order of forfeiture against the applicant based on suppression or non-disclosure of material facts,” her application stated.

However, the EFCC has countered her claims. Oyakhilome Ekienabor, the agency’s litigation officer in her case, insists that due process was followed and that the forfeiture orders remain valid.

“The forfeited properties were disposed of in accordance with the due process of law,” the EFCC’s legal counsel stated.

In response, Alison-Madueke’s legal team sought additional time to address the EFCC’s counter-affidavit.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, the presiding judge, adjourned the case to March 27 for further hearing.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a politically motivated move.

In a nationwide address on Tuesday night, Tinubu announced the emergency measure, citing escalating unrest in the oil-rich state.

According to the president, militants had attacked several oil pipelines, prompting urgent intervention.

As part of the directive, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for six months.

He also dissolved the Rivers State House of Assembly and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the period.

Reacting to the decision, Atiku released a personally signed statement condemning the move, calling it a deliberate political maneuver.

“The declaration of state of emergency in Rivers reeks of political manipulation and outright bad faith,” Atiku stated.

“Anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that Bola Tinubu has been a vested partisan actor in the political turmoil engulfing Rivers. His blatant refusal — or calculated negligence — in preventing this escalation is nothing short of disgraceful.

“Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the President’s desk.

“Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent.

“It is an unforgivable failure that under Tinubu’s watch, the Niger Delta has been thrown back into an era of violent unrest and instability — undoing the hard-won peace secured by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Years of progress have been recklessly erased in pursuit of selfish political calculations.

“If federal infrastructure in Rivers has been compromised, the President bears full responsibility. Punishing the people of Rivers State just to serve the political gamesmanship between the governor and Tinubu’s enablers in the federal government is nothing less than an assault on democracy and must be condemned in the strongest terms.” he concluded.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s whereabouts remained uncertain on Tuesday night as military trucks moved into the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.

The deployment came on the first night of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who suspended Fubara, his deputy, and the state lawmakers for six months following escalating tensions in the state.

According to reports, the trucks were stationed both within and outside the Government House premises.

Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule followed attacks on oil installations in Rivers State.

Some militant groups had previously threatened to destroy pipelines if the state House of Assembly proceeded with the impeachment of Fubara.

Hours after lawmakers served the governor with a notice of alleged misconduct, the threats were reportedly carried out.

Reacting to the situation, Tinubu stated:

“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.”

He also announced the appointment of an administrator to take charge of the state.

Following the declaration, eyewitnesses reported seeing about ten military trucks patrolling the roads leading to the Government House’s main gate, while armored vehicles were positioned strategically around the area.

A resident of Port Harcourt, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the military presence, saying:

“The road leading to Government House from Isaac Boro Park to the popular UTC is deserted. Residents are making efforts to get back to their respective homes as nobody wants to be caught in a crossfire. I saw about ten military trucks patrolling the road leading to Government House. There are other armored tanks stationed at both entrance roads leading to Government House.”

As at the time of this report, it was unclear whether Fubara had vacated the Government House.

However, sources within the government suggested that he had anticipated the declaration of a state of emergency.

A source from Government House revealed to DAILY GAZETTE that the governor had spent the day holding meetings with members of the suspended State Executive Council.

A former commissioner, when contacted by our reporter, briefly responded, saying he was in a meeting with the governor and promised to call back later.

However, he did not follow up before the time of publication.