Ehiozuwa Agbonayinwa, a senatorial aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Edo South, has said he regrets leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the NDC.

A former member of the House of Representatives, Agbonayinwa said his movement to the NDC had become from frying pan to hellfire.

He spoke during an interview on Arise News’ News Day, it was reported Friday.

Agbonayinwa said he won the NDC senatorial primary for Edo South but was being denied the chance to appear on the ballot.

He said the party conducted a direct primary after aspirants could not agree on a consensus candidate.

“I’ve moved from frying pan to hellfire,” said Agbonayinwa. We had the direct primary after we couldn’t find consensus. And we couldn’t do that, they kept us in the room at the time with all other contestants for us to step down for each other.

“We went through intense processes. I know they are new, but this is something I have never had with APC or PDP. Never. where people were asked to go for the primary… The primary was conducted today, June 5, and elections have not been announced.” May 29 was the day the primary was conducted.

The former governorship aspirant alleged that the national leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, encouraged him to buy the senatorial expression of interest and nomination forms.

He however said Dickson had later denied ever asking him to do so.

“The national leader of NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, who is a very good friend and brother to me for many years,” Agbonayinwa added. We’re colleagues. He was governor, now senator, a brother I hold in deep respect.

When we were to leave NDC, I called him. He sent it to me and said I should go to the house.

“I went to his house, and he said, ‘Why can’t you go to the Senate under NDC?’ I say I will think about it, and for me, I was going for the House of Reps but when he offered that, I started thinking, I say I will consult with my leaders, which I did, and I told him, thank you.

“But to my greatest surprise, the same man who asked me to go and buy the form, we had a meeting this morning and he said he never said so.”

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Babachir Lawal, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) citing alleged irregularities in the party’s just concluded primaries.

Lawal was quoted as alleging in a statement on Monday, June 1, 2026 that the primaries were heavily compromised in favour of the former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar.

He said the process was rigged to produce pre-determined outcomes, undermining fairness and internal democracy in the party.

The alleged irregularities were unacceptable, said the ex-SGF, who conveyed his decision to leave the ADC.

“I am leaving the ADC because its primaries just ended were rigged at all levels in favour of Kachalla Abubakar Atiku,” Lawal said.

He also blamed party stakeholders for keeping quiet over the alleged flaws in the process.

“I sense a conspiracy of silence of which I want no part. ‘Most of the members of the party are acting like this is the normal thing to do,’ he added.

Lawal, who left the PDP, also announced his opposition to Atiku’s alleged presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said backing the former Vice-President could indirectly boost President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election.

He also asked about the political leaning of the opposition people supporting Atiku, stressing that the choice of who leads should be based on competence and national interest, not sentiment or loyalty.

Lawal said he will be taking a break from active political engagements. He said that he would consult with allies on the next direction of his political engagement.

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Sam Amadi, the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, has described the exit of former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege from the All Progressives Congress, APC, as a big loss to the party.

The comment was made by Amadi while live on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ interview on Thursday.

He was responding to the resignation of an Omo-Agege from the ruling party.

Recall that the ex-Deputy Senate President on Wednesday dumped the ruling party few days after losing the Delta Central APC Senate primary.

“If Omo-Agege joins any of the parties, I think he will surely clinch the ticket because he is a very strong politician. Amadi, who spoke his mind, said:

“This is a major loss for the APC. The ruling party in Delta State has been defeated.

“He had built a formidable political network as Deputy Senate President before 2023 and he is likely to emerge as a formidable opposition force against the APC.

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Fresh political tension is brewing in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency following reports that Hon. George Olawande, popularly known as Omogeye, may be planning to dump the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Young Progressives Party (YPP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development, which has sparked widespread reactions among party loyalists and residents of the constituency, is believed to be connected to growing dissatisfaction over the lawmaker’s performance at the House of Representatives and fears of a difficult primary election within the NDC.

Political stakeholders within Amuwo Odofin alleged that Hon. Olawande is exploring alternative political options as pressure continues to mount from party members demanding a new direction for the constituency.

According to sources within the political camp, several aspirants and grassroots groups have intensified calls for fresh and more responsive leadership ahead of the next election cycle.

Critics of the lawmaker have accused him of poor constituency engagement, inadequate visibility, and failure to attract meaningful developmental projects to the area.

Many residents insist that the constituency deserves stronger representation capable of addressing pressing community needs and reconnecting with the grassroots.

Community leaders and political analysts have also argued that the political atmosphere within the constituency has changed significantly, with many young voters reportedly pushing for accountability, accessibility, and practical empowerment programmes rather than political rhetoric.

Some party insiders further claimed that internal consultations and strategic meetings have intensified in recent weeks as loyalists within the NDC attempt to prevent a possible crack within the party structure ahead of 2027.

The situation, according to observers, has already triggered fresh alignments and quiet lobbying among political actors within Amuwo Odofin.

There are also growing speculations that several influential stakeholders within the constituency may soon openly declare support for alternative aspirants if concerns surrounding representation and grassroots connection are not urgently addressed.

Residents have continued to express frustration over what they described as the absence of impactful constituency projects, limited youth engagement, and weak communication between the lawmaker and the people he represents.

Some voters insist that the next election will be based largely on performance, visibility, and direct community impact.

The alleged move to the YPP has further heightened political calculations within both parties, as permutations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum across Lagos State.

Political watchers believe any defection by a sitting lawmaker at this stage could significantly alter the balance of power within the constituency and reshape alliances ahead of the polls.

Although Hon. Olawande has yet to officially confirm or deny the reports of a possible defection, political observers believe the coming months may shape the future political landscape of Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

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There is fresh anxiety within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the party’s silence on the outcome of its screening exercise for aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.

It was learnt that the uncertainty has increased tension among supporters of some of the governorship aspirants with the political future of the allies of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara at stake.

The Guardian learnt that the APC national leadership had continued to resist pressure to release the screening report.

Some party sources attributed the delay to President Bola Tinubu’s trip to Kenya, saying leaders were awaiting his return before taking a final decision.

Others said the party was treading carefully so as not to drive aggrieved aspirants to opposition parties.

On Wednesday, members of the National Working Committee led by the National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, were absent at the APC National Secretariat, further raising concerns among camps of affected aspirants.

The missing of the top members of the NWC has raised fears about the fate of politicians believed to be loyal to Fubara in the APC structure in Rivers State.

Speculations also ran high on the modalities for the party’s direct primaries proposal.

Party sources said the arrest was linked to fears that lawmakers loyal to Fubara in the Rivers State House of Assembly could be marginalised or lose their influence after the long-running political crisis in the state.

According to reports, tension heightened following allegations that some aspirants believed to be loyal to Fubara did not scale through the party’s internal screening in Rivers State.

However, the APC has denied allegations of bias and insisted that the screening process complied with established procedures.

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Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ningi was said to have tendered his resignation through a letter to the PDP Chairman of Ningi Ward in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The decision, he said, was taken after wide consultations with stakeholders, associates and supporters. Ningi, who joined the PDP in 1998, had spent over 20 years in the party.

He was a two-term House of Representatives member and two-term senator on the party’s platform.

The lawmaker described the PDP as “once the largest political party in Africa”, and said it was once known for strong ideology, unity and democratic values, which enabled participatory governance.

The party’s internal leadership crisis, factional divisions and competing interests, Ningi said, had weakened the party’s unity and structure.

“It is now a great concern and worrisome to me that this virile and united platform could be turned into a ramshackle organisation with internal leadership wrangling and factional interests,” he wrote.

The senator said that leaving PDP was one of the hardest decisions of his political career. The party had given him the opportunity to serve his constituency and the country with distinction, he said.

The legislator thanked the leaders of the PDP at all levels for their support to his political career over the years.

“As I pursue my political career outside the People’s Democratic Party, please accept my best regards,” he added.

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Some prominent politicians and business moguls in Ebonyi State have decamped from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.

The resignations, it was gathered, came less than a week after a consultative stakeholders meeting called by Governor Francis Nwifuru produced aspirants to contest National Assembly and House of Assembly elections on APC tickets under a consensus arrangement.

Those who resigned from the APC after the emergence of the consensus candidates included a popular business mogul, Chief Christian Asaga Nwali; another businessman, Chief Chibuike Orogwu; and Emmanuel Ofoke.

The APC members who resigned gave separate letters citing personal reasons for quitting the party.

In a letter dated May 1, 2026, to the APC ward chairman in Ikwo Local Government Area, Nwali said his resignation was born out of careful reflection on happenings in the party.

In his own letter dated March 12, 2026, Orogwu asked that his name be deleted from the APC register. He also thanked the party for giving him the opportunity to serve.

Candidate for APGA governor steps down

Also, the 2023 governorship candidate of APGA in Ebonyi State and former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Bernard Odoh, has resigned his membership of the party.

“I left APGA because I am not abreast enough of developments in the party as a member of its Board of Trustees.

Odoh, in a resignation letter dated May 4, 2026, and addressed to the APGA chairman of Omege Ward in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, said he took the decision after a careful thought.

He said, “I have not been close enough to the party developments lately to satisfy the requirements of a member of its Board of Trustees.”

Odoh said his decision was informed by the need to ensure “institutional coherence and effective stewardship.” He said stepping aside would allow for more aligned and engaged leadership within the party structure.

The immediate past vice chancellor thanked APGA leaders at the state and national levels for the confidence reposed in him. He also said his commitment to the unity, stability and development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria was still firm.

“My commitment to the unity, stability and development of our state and nation remains unwavering, and I shall continue to support all sincere efforts directed towards the advancement of the common good,” he added.

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Former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, says he would rather Peter Obi pursues his presidential ambition in the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Ihedioha, however, welcomed Obi’s decision to defect to Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, saying he would not leave the party.

A post on his X page said the former Speaker of the House of Representatives said he shares a common aspiration for a better Nigeria with Obi.

Over the past year, we have consciously and consistently worked to build a coalition of well-meaning Nigerians under the platform of the African Democratic Congress,” he wrote.

“Our mission has been clear: to provide good governance for the people of Nigeria and to build a nation that is accountable, inclusive and prosperous.

“On Sunday, May 3, 2026, my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi made the decision to join the NDC in his quest for his political aspiration.

“I would have liked to see this ambition pursued within the ADC but I accept that in a democracy, every leader has the right to make political decisions guided by conviction. “I respect his decision and wish him all the best.

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There are sharp divisions among Nigerians over the political alignment of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso under the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) with reactions ranging from renewed hope to deep skepticism ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development has triggered widespread debate across Nigeria and online, with citizens sharing mixed expectations on what the move means for opposition politics in the country.

Some Nigerians see the alignment as a possible breakthrough for opposition unity, others see it as a symptom of recurring instability within political coalitions.

Obi, at the centre of the development, defended his decision, linking it to the worsening condition of the country.

“The state of our nation and the urgent need to save Nigeria informed my decision to leave ADC for NDC,” he said.

He said the decision was taken after a lot of thought and not for personal ambition.

“This decision was not made in anger, personal ambition or convenience. It followed deep reflection on the present condition of our nation,” he said.

Obi also mentioned internal crises and legal battles within opposition parties as part of his reason for leaving, saying that, “I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party, the severe orchestrated litigation and internal crises…”

However, the reactions of Nigerians indicate that the explanation has not laid the debate to rest.

Some supporters on social media insisted loyalty to Obi is not determined by party platform.

“You don’t need to belong to the same party with Peter Obi to vote for Peter Obi… “All you need is your PVC,” wrote NDC North Star on X.

“From LP to ADC to NDC, the mission never change, rescue this country,” Another Bro said.

Others queried the consistency of political movements repeated.

“If you keep switching parties, what are you actually building?” “What’s up?” Teejay 2 asked.

“Leaving a party over ‘internal crisis’ sounds valid… but isn’t crisis part of Nigerian politics everywhere? Odunayo wrote.

Some Nigerians were more blunt in their criticism of the leadership’s credibility.

“Someone that can’t save regular LP or ADC from crisis,” said Pragmatic DB.

“You are not in any position to rescue the country because you couldn’t rescue a small Anambra State,” Teejay 2 added.

Concerns were also voiced that the development could mirror the fragmentation observed in the 2023 elections.

“Na the same way una enter 2023 elections lose you wan enter 2027? Written by Biodun Adeyanju.

Beyond individual criticism, some Nigerians highlighted deeper structural issues within the political system.

But others said it was not, arguing that political change in Nigeria is more about individuals than institutions.

Even in opposition circles, the debate rages.

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, a former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, questioned Obi’s decision to leave rather than fix internal challenges within the party.

“Someone who got the ticket from the Labour Party so easily should have stayed to fix the problem of the party no matter how difficult it is,” he said.

“If you are not ready to fight stay in your house,” he said.

Reactions also trailed comments by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who reportedly described the ADC as a “dying party.”

Some Nigerians took issue with the way the comment was framed.

“Shutting out dissent as ’dying’ only weakens democracy… Healthy competition is what brings real progress,” said a Niger State indigene who spoke anonymously.

Others labelled it routine political rhetoric.

Other Nigerians who spoke also reflected mixed expectations about the unfolding political alignment.

Kingsley Moses, a youth in Abuja, said the development could change the strength of the opposition if well managed.

Honestly, this Obi–Kwankwaso talk is sensible. But if they can get structure and credibility in the same room, then things can shake. Obi has youth & middle class support, Kwankwaso has northern grassroots. This could be the balance we’ve been talking about,” he said.

In Kano, Mal Bello Hamidu warned that it was important to have a structure and to agree on it:

“Kwankwaso is not a small time politician. He’s got his own movement. This is where the problem is, this idea of him ‘joining’ anyone. “It has to be partnership, not absorption.”

In the South-East, trader Amadi Chigozirim said trust remains, but expectations are high.

“People in this part of the country still trust Obi, but we are watching closely as well. We don’t want more promises, we want results.” “We will support this new arrangement if it can bring stability and development.”

An APC supporter, Aminu Sani, Bauchi state dismissed the excitement over the alignment,

“This is being overhyped by people. Twitter is not trending on politics. Elections are won on structures, not on sentiments. Let them come together first, managing ambition alone will scatter everything,” he said.

Speaking on the elections, a trader at the Minna market in Niger State, Madam Mary said her concern is the economy and not political arrangements.

“It’s simple for me,” he said. “Will it bring food prices down? And these politicians will always come together and separate. If Obi and Kwankwaso can make life better for the ordinary people, we will support them. Na the same story, if not.

In Lagos, a commercial driver in Oshodi said he no longer listens to political movements for his daily needs.

“All this political stir doesn’t stir me any more. Obi or Kwankwaso, I just want one thing, let fuel and transport be cheap. If they can fix that, great. If not, it’s the same cycle every time,” he said.

Overall, the reactions show a divided public opinion, with some Nigerians hoping that the alignment would strengthen the opposition, while others remain doubtful of its durability.43

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The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Nantewe Yilwatda, has dismissed fears over the defection of Peter Obi from the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, insisting the development poses no threat to the ruling party.

Yilwatda spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the ongoing sale and submission of APC nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

APC chairman reacted to developments in opposition parties, saying any internal crisis in opposition groups was their business and has nothing to do with the APC.

He also described the resignation of about 18 National Assembly members from the ADC to the NDC as politically insignificant.

“If someone defects from ADC to NDC or another opposition party, it does not affect APC,” he said.

Let them sort out their problems. “APC is strong and we are making progress with good numbers.

Yilwatda also argued that opposition figures were merely operating within the same political space, and noted that none of the defectors were APC members.

“You talked about NDC. People come into APC and say we paid them, but when they leave among themselves, no body says a thing. No defector comes from our party. They are fishing from the same pond,” he said.

On the continuous purchase of nomination forms, the APC chairman said that the turnout was indicative of the increasing public support for the ruling party across the country.

“Nigerians are satisfied with what APC is doing. They love and accept the party in all geopolitical zones,” he said.

“We are happy with the number of people purchasing our forms.”

He said the APC is well-positioned and organised for the 2027 elections.

“This can only happen in APC and we are happy to see it under our watch,” he said.

Yilwatda also ruled out any possibility of extending the deadline for purchase and submission of nomination forms, saying the timelines were provided in the Electoral Act.

“We would love to extend the time but we are time bound,” he said.

“The Electoral Act limits the time frame for holding primaries and submitting results. We want to avoid unnecessary complications as well.”

He said the party would come up with measures during the screening exercise to avoid overcrowding and make it easy for aspirants.

Yilwatda, while acknowledging the large turnout of supporters at the venue, said access would still be regulated during screening, even as he described the crowd as evidence of the APC’s growing popularity nationwide.

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