Lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly have dismissed speculations that they are planning to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Labour Party or any other political group.

Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Mr. Stephen Ogundipe, in a statement on Tuesday, debunked the rumors, describing them as baseless fabrications meant to cause unnecessary tension.

He noted that reports circulating online claim that 25 members of the Assembly are preparing to dump the APC, following a similar allegation during the recent leadership crisis, which falsely suggested that 27 lawmakers were planning to defect to the Labour Party.

“That claim was unequivocally refuted, with members reaffirming their commitment to the APC and confidence in the party’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms,” Ogundipe stated.

He assured that no APC lawmaker in the Assembly is contemplating defection, emphasizing that while challenges exist, they would be resolved democratically and in accordance with party principles.

“The leadership of our party is actively addressing all concerns, and any lingering issues will be resolved amicably,” he added.

Ogundipe urged the public to ignore misleading reports aimed at destabilizing the political atmosphere.

He also reaffirmed the lawmakers’ loyalty to APC’s national leader and President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly remains committed to its legislative mandate, focusing on enacting laws and policies that drive the development of Lagos State,” he concluded.

Former chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Barrister John Nwobodo, has advised Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, to completely shelve his 2027 presidential ambition rather than accept a vice-presidential ticket under a northern candidate.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP in Enugu, Nwobodo, who was also the governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Enugu State, argued that such a move would not be politically strategic for Obi.

“I do not think it makes political sense for Obi to deputise a northern candidate in 2027. Instead of doing that, he should simply step aside,” Nwobodo stated.

He acknowledged Obi’s significant influence on Nigeria’s political landscape and dismissed the idea that the former Anambra governor was a desperate politician willing to take any position just to remain relevant.

“Obi has undoubtedly made an impact in Nigeria’s politics. I don’t believe he is the kind of politician who would run for office at all costs,” he added.

Nwobodo also cautioned that defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election would require extraordinary efforts due to the party’s deep-rooted influence across the country.

“APC is well entrenched in terms of membership, spread, and its stronghold on high-net-worth individuals in the country. It will take an exceptional strategy to unseat them,” he said.

He argued that Nigeria’s leadership crisis is not about party labels but rather a lack of patriotism and a negative political mindset, where many politicians see governance as a means of accumulating power and wealth.

On how the opposition could stand a chance against APC, Nwobodo suggested that only a coalition of political parties, along with strong grassroots mobilization, could present a formidable challenge in 2027.

“The only opposition that can take power from APC is one that introduces fresh faces, promoted by a broad coalition of political parties and a well-organized citizen movement. Any arrangement that recycles old politicians is bound to fail,” he concluded.

The controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate has taken an international dimension as she escalates the matter to the global stage.

On Tuesday, the suspended Kogi Central lawmaker addressed the Women in Parliament session at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting held at the United Nations in New York, calling for justice and intervention from global democratic institutions.

Senator Natasha described her suspension from the Senate as “illegal” and an act of injustice. She urged the international community to take note of what she believes is an abuse of legislative power against her.

Following her speech, she expressed concerns for her safety, alleging that there were indications she could face repercussions, including the possibility of being held against her will in New York by powerful figures from Nigeria.

Her case against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and her call for international intervention highlight the deepening tensions within Nigeria’s legislative chambers and the potential implications for democratic governance in the country.

At a youth-led gathering in Ovwian, Delta Central, over the weekend, Kelvin Ogboru, Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, confidently asserted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would suffer a resounding defeat in the 2027 elections, describing its downfall as inevitable.

Speaking to journalists at the event, Ogboru emphasized that there is “no vacancy” in Osadebe House, reaffirming that Governor Oborevwori remains the only viable option for Delta State.

He dismissed the opposition’s attempts to discredit the current administration, stating that true leadership is measured by results, not rhetoric.

“While others engage in theatrics and distractions, Governor Oborevwori is delivering real development across Delta State,” Ogboru declared.

He likened the governor’s leadership approach to that of global visionaries like Lee Kuan Yew, emphasizing his commitment to putting the people first rather than pursuing personal interests.

A prominent youth leader in Abraka and Ethiope East LGA, Ogboru expressed full confidence in the PDP’s dominance in 2027, citing the governor’s achievements under the MORE Agenda as a clear testament to his effectiveness.

Taking a swipe at the opposition, he described the APC in Delta as weak, fragmented, and lacking direction.

He criticized the party for relying on federal influence rather than grassroots engagement and genuine governance to win elections.

“They are still searching for a credible candidate for 2027, while the PDP already has a leader redefining governance and ensuring the dividends of democracy reach every part of the state,” Ogboru remarked.

He urged all appointees of Governor Oborevwori to strengthen their grassroots mobilization efforts, ensuring unwavering support for the governor’s re-election bid.

According to him, the 2027 election will be a landslide victory for the PDP, as Deltans will once again choose progress over propaganda, development over deception, and visionary leadership over political desperation.