Politics
Bode George Surprised by Enugu Governor Mbah’s Defection to APC
Chief Olabode George, a senior figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed surprise on Tuesday after Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Governor Mbah officially left the PDP, citing a desire for greater collaboration and development opportunities. He was formally welcomed into the APC by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other party leaders at a ceremony in Abuja.
Reacting to the news, George told Channels Television that he did not anticipate Mbah’s decision. “I never saw it at any time,” he said, adding that several PDP elders had met with Mbah to persuade him to remain in the party ahead of the PDP convention. “We were wondering what was going on in the South-East,” George said, reflecting the party’s shock at the defection.
Despite the departure, George emphasized that the PDP remains strong. He compared the party to an “iroko tree,” a large and resilient tree known in Nigeria for its sturdiness. “Governors alone don’t make the party; they’re an added value. The people make up the party,” he said, underlining the importance of grassroots support over individual officeholders.
Governor Mbah’s move represents a major shift in the political landscape of Nigeria’s South-East region. With his defection, the APC now controls four of the five states in the region, leaving only Anambra under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Political analysts say this could give the ruling party a stronger foothold in the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bode George urged PDP members to focus on strengthening their base and preparing for future elections. “We’ll campaign, go to the field, and explain to Nigerians what the APC has done—or failed to do—to put smiles on their faces,” he said. “It’s not just about being in government. We’ll ensure that the will of Nigerians prevails.”
The defection comes amid ongoing political realignments in Nigeria, where several high-profile politicians have switched parties in recent months. Observers say these moves could reshape alliances ahead of key state and national elections.
Governor Mbah has stated that his switch to APC will allow him to pursue development projects more efficiently. In his announcement, he emphasized that his decision was in the best interest of Enugu State and its people. “I have made this move to ensure that the people of Enugu State benefit from national opportunities,” he said during the reception into the APC.
Political analysts suggest that Mbah’s defection could influence other governors and lawmakers in the region to consider similar moves, further consolidating the APC’s strength in traditionally PDP-dominated areas.
For the PDP, the challenge now is to maintain its relevance in the South-East and counter the growing influence of the APC. Party leaders have indicated they will continue to engage their members, strengthen grassroots support, and organize campaigns to regain lost ground.
As Nigeria approaches the next election cycle, Governor Mbah’s defection is likely to be a key story in political discussions, with both parties working to solidify their positions in the South-East.
Military and security officials in Benin Republic have apprehended approximately a dozen soldiers, including the key ringleaders, following a failed coup attempt. Sources revealed that 13 individuals were detained, most of whom are active military personnel, with one former soldier among the suspects.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The arrests came after a group of officers, calling themselves the Military Committee for Refoundation, appeared on national television on Sunday morning, claiming to have removed President Patrice Talon and dissolved all state institutions. The officers asserted that they had seized control of the government.
The presidency, however, confirmed that President Talon is safe and that loyalist forces are restoring order. Authorities described the coup attempt as the work of “a small group” with limited reach, adding that the city and the country remain secure.
Regional bloc ECOWAS has condemned the attempted takeover, describing it as a serious and unacceptable challenge to the democratic will of the people. In a statement issued in Abuja, the Commission called for strict adherence to the country’s Constitution and praised the efforts of the government and the Republican Army in regaining control. ECOWAS warned that the plot’s leaders would be held accountable for any loss of life or property arising from their actions and reaffirmed its full support for Benin, including potential deployment of the regional standby force if necessary.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar met with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan at his residence in Abuja on Saturday. According to reports, Atiku shared the update on his handle on Sunday, noting that the visit followed Jonathan’s recent return from Guinea-Bissau.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
While specific details of their discussions were not disclosed, the meeting is widely interpreted as part of preparatory consultations ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku described the encounter as a pleasure, stating, “It was a pleasure catching up with former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday evening, following his recent return from Guinea-Bissau.”
Separately, Atiku’s Senior Political Assistant, Olarenwaju, attributed the former Vice President’s actions against Jonathan in 2015 to a breach of a gentleman’s agreement. Speaking during an Space discussion titled “APC Must Go,” Olarenwaju explained that his alignment with Atiku was motivated by a broader vision for Nigeria’s progress. He said, “Most of the answers I’m going to give tonight are not just based on my deliberations with Atiku, they are based on my desire for a better Nigeria. At the end of the day, if Nigeria is better, my life is better and easier as a Nigerian. So I only find myself with Atiku; in 2015, I didn’t find myself with Atiku, I found myself on the side of Goodluck Jonathan.”
According to reports, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodu’a during a ceremony in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Sunday. The event, held at the Palace Square of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, coincided with the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Senator Tinubu arrived at the palace around 1 PM, greeted with fanfare and stringent security measures. She was received by Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and his council of chiefs. The occasion drew an array of notable dignitaries, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
The installation ceremony proceeded with the attendance of numerous guests, celebrating both the First Lady’s new traditional title and the Ooni’s decade-long reign.
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