No fewer than 10,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other political parties have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The mass defection took place on Saturday, May 13, 2025, during the official unveiling of the ADC in Agatu by the Benue State Chairman of the party, Rt. Hon. Terngu Tsegba.
The ceremony, held in Agatu LGA of the Benue South Senatorial District, witnessed a large turnout of decampees, political supporters, and admirers of Sir John Ngbede, a prominent political leader in Agatu.
Ngbede also donated a building to serve as the new secretariat of the party in the area.
Speaking at the event, Tsegba commended the leadership of the party in Agatu for organizing what he described as the largest unveiling event in the state.
He praised Ngbede for his role in mobilizing grassroots support, describing him as a leader whose political influence continues to shape the direction of the local government.
He assured the people that the ADC is committed to inclusiveness, stability, and internal democracy, expressing confidence that the party would win all elective seats in the LGA.
On his part, Ngbede, a former Commissioner of Water Resources in Benue State, ex-Chairman of Agatu LGA, former State PDP Chairman, and Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 elections, was formally unveiled as the leader of ADC in Agatu.
In his remarks, Ngbede declared the dominance of PDP and APC in Agatu to be over, a statement that drew loud cheers and solidarity chants from the crowd.
The event also featured the commissioning of the new party office, further underscoring the ADC’s growing presence and organization in Agatu. Party leaders noted that the ADC remains focused on grassroots engagement and community development initiatives.
Dignitaries at the event included the State Secretary, Rt. Hon. Samson Okwu; immediate past PDP Chairman, Hon. Chris Adaba Aba (Mad Lion); former Commissioner of Finance and ADC frontline leader, Hon. David Adejoh Olofu; CPC Chairman, Alhaji Salisu Sule Odaliko; former Labour Party Governorship Candidate, Rt. Hon. Herman Hembe; Pro-tem State Woman Leader, Chief Mrs. Abeje Egwa; Prof. Salifu David, Chairman of Apa Legacy Sustainability Initiative; Engr. Solomon Eigege; and several other stakeholders.
Others present were Hon. Apochi Nelson Owoicho, Hon. Ekoja Bashir, Hon. Abu Echo, Hon. Owoicho Oyi, Hon. Henry Otache, Hon. Otokpa, Hon. Joseph Ngbede, Hon. Philip Ebeyakwu, leader of the decampees Hon. Moses Agbo, Comr. Abu E. Adegahi, Engr. Nasir Abubakar, Hon. Usman Echono (Ochacho), Hon. Ibrahim Yusuf (10 10), Hon. Zack Rice, Hon. David Oge, Comr. Okoh Lawrence, Comr. Dan Atayi, Comr. Hwande T.C., among others.
The Jigawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disowned individuals parading themselves as its delegates at the party’s convention in Ibadan, warning that no authentic delegate from the state took part in the exercise amid the PDP’s deepening national crisis.
The state chairman of the party, Aliyu Jalam Gumel, issued the disclaimer in a statement posted on his official Facebook page late Saturday, insisting that Jigawa PDP was not represented at the convention.
His position came hours after the Ibadan gathering went ahead despite a fresh Federal High Court order halting the event and reaffirming former governor Sule Lamido’s eligibility to participate in party leadership processes.
Gumel said impostors had been circulating false claims online, posing as elected delegates from Jigawa.
“These impostors do not represent us. Jigawa PDP is committed to genuine reconciliation and legal processes that unite, not divide, our great party,” he wrote.
He added that anyone presenting themselves as a Jigawa delegate at the Ibadan convention was nothing but “a fraudster.”
The chairman stressed that the chapter’s decision to boycott the convention aligned with the Federal High Court judgment restoring Lamido’s right to contest the chairmanship.
“The Jigawa chapter, under my leadership, has boycotted the event entirely. This stance complies with the court judgment favouring Lamido’s participation in party processes,” he stated.
Gumel noted that the chapter would only participate in lawful and inclusive party activities.
“We are not participating in the convention,” he affirmed. “The decision underscores Jigawa’s loyalty to legal directives and internal reconciliation efforts.”
Expressing worry over the current state of the party, Gumel lamented that the PDP had been engulfed by internal discord.
“We are saddened by the way our party affairs are being handled, especially the current crisis rocking its foundations,” he said.
Despite the turmoil, he maintained that Jigawa PDP remained committed to restoring unity.
“Our chapter is resolute in participating only in processes that will reconcile our party. We call upon leaders to reach out to all aggrieved parties and find a solution to this crisis,” he urged.
Reiterating the chapter’s position, the chairman cautioned the public against recognising anyone claiming to represent Jigawa.
“The Jigawa State Chapter of the PDP has distanced itself from the ongoing convention. Any person claiming to be a delegate from Jigawa State is a fraudster,” he warned.
Some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporting the political ambition of former President Goodluck Jonathan have stormed the venue of the party’s ongoing elective convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The supporters were spotted flying flags with Goodluck Jonathan’s photo projecting the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, as his running mate.
Naija News reports that there has been speculation about Jonathan’s possible comeback to run for the 2027 presidential election.
Although the former president has been mum on the matter, his associates confirmed his alleged readiness to contest the much anticipated election.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde’s posters were also sighted at the convention venue on Friday.
Meanwhile, four governors of the PDP have arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, even as a Federal High Court order has halted the party’s planned national convention scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
The South-West Chairman of the party, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, confirmed to Saturday Punch on Friday that the governors of Bauchi, Bala Mohammed; Zamfara, Dauda Lawal; Adamawa, Ahmadu Fintiri; and Oyo, Seyi Makinde, were already in Ibadan ahead of the exercise.
The leadership presence comes amid deepening internal battles between factions loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and those aligned with the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the resilience of former governor, Ayodele Fayose, during his time in office.
He pointed out that the misuse of presidential authority contributed significantly to the crisis that cut short the administration.
The President made the remark in a congratulatory statement issued in honour of Fayose, who turns 65 on November 15.
“Although his initial term as Governor of Ekiti faced considerable upheaval and was prematurely terminated due to the abuse of presidential powers, his courage remained steadfast.
“He endured the ordeal with remarkable strength and handled adversity with admirable calm,” Tinubu said.
Fayose was removed from office in 2006 after then-President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Ekiti State, an episode Tinubu alluded to in his tribute.
Despite that setback, Tinubu noted that Fayose went on to achieve one of the most notable political resurgences in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“He made a historic return in 2014, becoming the first politician to defeat two sitting governors in separate electoral contests,” the President stated.
Tinubu described Fayose, popularly called Osokomole, as a fearless political actor known for his clarity of conviction.
“Osokomole is a man who never lacks the courage to stand by his beliefs. You always know where he stands. His consistency, whether in agreement or disagreement, defines his strength as a national figure. He speaks his mind without fear or favour,” he said.
The President commended Fayose’s close relationship with the grassroots, noting that his nickname Ore Mekunnu (friend of the poor) accurately reflects his political style and public appeal.
“He is at home among ordinary citizens, particularly the vulnerable. He has mastered retail politics and built deep personal ties with the people,” Tinubu added.
Highlighting Fayose’s developmental strides, Tinubu said: “During his time in office, he recorded important achievements across key sectors. He improved road networks, expanded access to healthcare and education, and delivered notable projects such as the State High Court Complex and a new Governor’s Office.”