Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South in the National Assembly, has claimed that several governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties are preparing to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Ibrahim asserted that the ruling party has been gaining new members, with more defections expected in the coming weeks.

When asked whether internal criticism of government policies within the APC indicated trouble for the party, Ibrahim dismissed the concern, arguing that the focus should also be on the growing number of opposition figures aligning with the APC.

“That is a one-sided argument,” he said. “What about those from the PDP that are joining us? You’re not looking at that. You completely ignored it. How about people like Wike? Yes, he says he’s still in the PDP, but he is serving in an APC-led government. How many others have done the same? How many governors have already crossed over or are in the process of joining us?”

Although he declined to name specific governors, Ibrahim insisted that high-profile defections were imminent.

“I don’t want to mention names so that I don’t embarrass people,” he said. “But I can assure you, by the next time I appear on this program, you will see a governor who has crossed to the APC.”

Despite opposition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Senator Samuel Anyanwu has resumed office as the party’s National Secretary, challenging the endorsement of Sunday Ude-Okoye as his replacement.

On Friday, the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, had affirmed Ude-Okoye as the party’s new National Secretary, citing an Appeal Court ruling.

They directed the National Working Committee (NWC) to implement the court’s decision.

However, around noon on Monday, Anyanwu arrived at the PDP National Headquarters at Wadata Plaza, Abuja, dressed in white, and proceeded to his office to continue his duties, signaling his defiance of the governors’ decision.

The PDP has been grappling with internal crises both before and after the 2023 general elections, leading to deep divisions and leadership struggles.

Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has come under increasing criticism for failing to stabilize the party after taking over from Iyorchia Ayu, who was removed by the court over leadership failures.

The dispute over the National Secretary position dates back to 2023 when the South East wing of the PDP nominated Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had become the party’s governorship candidate in Imo State.

The Appeal Court in Enugu ruled in December 2024 that Ude-Okoye should assume the role, and the PDP leadership was formally notified.

However, on January 27, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja issued a restraining order allowing Anyanwu to remain in office until the Supreme Court delivers a final ruling on the matter.

Tensions escalated last week when supporters of Anyanwu clashed with those backing Ude-Okoye, leading to security intervention at a PDP Board of Trustees meeting.

Following this, the PDP governors reaffirmed their support for Ude-Okoye during a meeting in Asaba, Delta State.

In response, Anyanwu petitioned the Inspector General of Police, the Supreme Court, and the Appeal Court, insisting that he remains the PDP National Secretary.

He described the governors’ endorsement of Ude-Okoye as an attempt to create further division within the party and called for urgent intervention to resolve the crisis.

A member of the House of Representatives from Osun State, Oluwole Oke, has advised former governor Rauf Aregbesola to seek reconciliation with President Bola Tinubu.

Oke suggested that Aregbesola should “prostrate, beg, and make peace” to resolve lingering political tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun.

The call for reconciliation follows the recent exit of the Omoluabi Progressives, a political group aligned with Aregbesola, from the APC.

The departure is believed to be linked to longstanding disputes between Aregbesola and his successor, former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

In a social media post, Oke, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), acknowledged Aregbesola’s political influence and described him as a “bride” in Osun politics.

He urged the PDP to take advantage of the internal division within the APC to strengthen its position.

“Rauf Aregbesola is a grassroots mobilizer, a major political force in Osun, and someone who cannot be ignored,” Oke wrote.

“The PDP must act fast, pay the necessary dowry, and bring this ‘bride’ into their fold. Symbol, as he is popularly known, is not someone you let wander.”

Reflecting on his own political experience, Oke noted that despite being in the opposition during Aregbesola’s tenure, he was still able to secure electoral victories due to the strong support of the Ijesa North people.

He highlighted Aregbesola’s enduring political influence in the Ife/Ijesa Senatorial District, stating that he could still command a significant voter base.

Oke emphasized that any politician capable of drawing and sustaining grassroots support should not be underestimated, reinforcing the idea that Aregbesola remains a key player in Osun’s political landscape.

The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to hold an emergency meeting today at Lagos House, Marina, to address the ongoing leadership crisis in the state House of Assembly.

The council, the highest decision-making body of the Lagos APC, is led by Pa Tajudeen Olusi, with President Bola Tinubu serving as a lifetime patron.

This meeting comes just two weeks after a similar gathering at the same venue, as tensions continue to rise following the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

Thirty-two out of the 40 Assembly members voted to oust him on January 13, 2025, citing financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness.

He was replaced by his former deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, a move that has sparked divisions within the GAC and the wider APC structure in the state.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is also expected to hold the weekly Executive Council meeting today, where discussions on resolving the Assembly crisis are likely to take place.

The controversy surrounding Obasa’s removal has led to disagreements among GAC members. Muraina Taiwo, a member representing Isolo Constituency, recently criticized the Assembly’s decision to reconvene during recess to remove Obasa.

Other GAC members, including Musiliu Obanikoro and Senator Anthony Adefuye, have also expressed opposing views, with Adefuye claiming the removal was illegal, while Obanikoro dismissed his statement as careless.

Despite these divisions, GAC Secretary Mutiu Are has assured that the crisis remains a “family affair” and will be resolved internally.

Reports over the weekend indicate that efforts are underway to find a peaceful resolution to the leadership dispute within the Lagos Assembly.