Osogbo Youth Group Condemns APC Over Disqualification of Adegoke SAN

The Osogbo Progressive Youths Movement (OPYM) has issued a strongly worded statement criticizing the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership over the disqualification of AbdulRasheed Adekunle Adegoke, SAN, from a recent party screening exercise.

In a press release signed by its convener, Comrade Jimoh Oyekola Ajayi, the group described the decision as a “political statement” aimed not only at the aspirant but at the entire Osogbo community. According to OPYM, the disqualification sends a message that despite the city’s long-standing loyalty and electoral contributions to the APC, its people are not considered worthy of leadership positions within the party.

Ajayi stated that Osogbo has consistently delivered votes and stood firmly with the APC “through every storm,” only to be sidelined at a critical moment when fairness was expected. He accused the party hierarchy of reinforcing a pattern of marginalization that has left Osogbo feeling “rejected and undervalued.”

The group also took a swipe at individuals within and outside the city who were said to be celebrating the disqualification. OPYM described such actions as betrayal, warning that “history has a long memory” and would not forget those who worked against the collective interest of Osogbo.

Despite the setback, OPYM maintained that the movement for equity and political inclusion remains unwavering. The organization emphasized that although it has accepted the screening outcome peacefully, it rejects what it sees as a broader attempt to reduce Osogbo’s political relevance in the state.

“We have not accepted that Osogbo must remain second-class in a state it has helped build with sweat, loyalty, and sacrifice,” the statement read.

The group reaffirmed its support for Adegoke SAN, praising him for his courage in bringing long-standing grievances to the fore. It also reiterated its commitment to advocating for fairness and justice within the political landscape.

“Osogbo will not fold its arms while others dictate our political destiny,” Ajayi declared.

The statement concluded with affirmations of solidarity for Adegoke, the people of Osogbo, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Osogbo Youth Group Condemns APC Over Disqualification of Adegoke SAN

BREAKING: Rivers Assembly Speaker, 15 Members Defect From PDP to APC

The political landscape in Rivers State shifted dramatically on Friday as sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The mass defection marks a major escalation in the long-running political crisis rocking the state.

Speaking during plenary, Amaewhule announced his resignation from the PDP, attributing the move to what he described as a “clear division” within the party.
“Distinguished colleagues, very happily, let me announce that your Speaker has decided… to leave the PDP. APC is my new party,” he declared.

READ ALSO:

• Rev Kukah Urges Dialogue, Not Weapons, to Tackle Nigeria’s Insecurity
• Sheikh Gumi Links Foreign Powers to Nigeria’s Escalating Security Crisis
• VIO to Challenge Court of Appeal Ruling Barring Vehicle Impoundment

Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol was among the 16 lawmakers who joined the APC, signalling a coordinated shift by legislators aligned with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. All defecting lawmakers are known loyalists of Wike, who was recently expelled from the PDP over alleged anti-party activities.

This latest move adds a new chapter to the state’s ongoing power tussle. The same group of lawmakers had previously announced a switch to the APC at the height of the crisis between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, before later denying it. The defection at that time triggered legal battles, including attempts to declare their seats vacant.

With the fresh alignment now formalized, the APC gains a significant foothold in the Rivers Assembly, potentially reshaping legislative authority and deepening the divide between the Wike and Fubara camps.

Political observers warn that the development could again ignite constitutional debates around defections under Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, especially in relation to whether genuine party division exists within the PDP.

As Rivers State enters yet another phase of political uncertainty, the implications for governance, legislative stability and party control remain far-reaching.

BREAKING: Rivers Assembly Speaker, 15 Members Defect From PDP to APC

PDP crisis deepens as Wike faction expels Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal, others

The internal turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as the faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, declared the expulsion of several high-profile party leaders.

In a formal disclaimer issued on Thursday and signed by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the faction announced that the affected individuals have been stripped of all forms of recognition within the PDP.

The notice listed key figures including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, among others, claiming they no longer hold any valid status in the party. The statement accused them of misrepresenting themselves as party officers despite being previously removed from their positions.

READ ALSO:

• Fani-Kayode Defends Matawalle, Says Defence Minister Delivering Major Gains in Anti-Terror War
• Sabinus Confirms Marriage Crash, Says He and Ex-Wife Are Focused on Co-Parenting
• Buratai Defends Nigeria’s Resilience, Says Nation Is “Rising, Not Failing” Despite Insecurity

According to the faction, their expulsion was ratified at the PDP NEC meeting of November 18, 2025, following allegations of anti-party activities and what it termed acts of gross misconduct. The group maintained that the disciplinary action was consistent with the party’s constitution.

The statement cautioned the public against engaging with or recognising any of the expelled individuals as PDP representatives, warning that doing so would be “at his or her own risk.”

The Wike-backed bloc further rejected the recent convention held in Ibadan, dismissing it as a “political gathering without legal weight.” It argued that the meeting violated existing court judgments and could not be regarded as an authentic PDP national convention.

Anyone claiming to have emerged as a national officer from the Ibadan event was labelled “an impostor” by the faction.

This latest round of expulsions escalates the already fierce power tussle within the PDP, as opposing factions continue to issue conflicting statements, suspensions, and counter-expulsions ahead of the 2027 elections.

PDP crisis deepens as Wike faction expels Makinde, Bala Mohammed, Dauda Lawal, others