Court Approves Prosecution Of Tinubu’s Minister, Onyejeocha For Alleged Forgery.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, member representing Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, leave to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prosecute the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, over alleged forgery of election results.

Justice M.G. Umar, in a ruling delivered on September 23, 2025, on an ex parte motion filed by Ogah, held that the lawmaker had provided sufficient material evidence in his affidavit to justify the court’s decision.

Onyejeocha, who contested on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had dragged Ogah of the Labour Party (LP) to the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, claiming victory at the 2023 general elections.

However, Ogah alleged that Onyejeocha tendered forged results at the tribunal to back her claims, a case she eventually lost.

In April, Onyejeocha, through a media aide, dismissed the allegations as false, insisting they had been settled. “All the allegations in the petition are false. They are not only false, but they have been trashed out long ago,” she said.

Ogah, however, proceeded to the Federal High Court, urging it to grant him leave to seek an Order of Mandamus compelling INEC to investigate and prosecute Onyejeocha for forgery.

He alleged that after he was declared the winner by INEC, “Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha forged the results in respect of the polling units listed, whose results were tendered during the trial of the petition at the Election Tribunal to prove the allegations contained in the petition.

“That Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha forged Exhibit 3 and passed them off as the official election results and documents of the respondent, and the respondent vehemently disputed the authenticity of Exhibit 3 during the trial of the Election Petition.

"Stop Using Unemployed Youths to Disrupt Elections" — Sen. Oshiomhole Warns Politicians.

Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has urged politicians and lawmakers to stop recruiting unemployed youths to disrupt elections, warning that such practices fuel post-election insecurity.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, the former Edo State governor said violence has no place in democracy and blamed political actors for empowering thugs during elections.

“After every election, violent crimes rise because politicians who armed hungry youths can’t retrieve the weapons. Those arms are then used for robbery and other crimes,” he said.

Oshiomhole recalled warning fellow governors years ago that AK-47 rifles were not items just anyone could afford, implying that only influential figures could sponsor electoral violence.

He emphasized the need for sincerity among politicians, urging them to allow Nigerians to “hire and fire without fear” through credible elections. “If we truly commit to eliminating violence, we will have free, fair, and transparent elections,” he said.

The senator added that the true beauty of democracy lies not in holding office but in earning the people’s trust. “If you rig or manipulate elections, deep in your heart, you know you’re not a happy person,” he noted.

Oshiomhole also cautioned against conducting presidential, governorship, and National Assembly elections on the same day and called for vigilance against hackers as Nigeria deepens its use of election technology.

He concluded, “We, as senators and elected officials, must resolve never to arm or use unemployed youths to disrupt elections. Once we stop that, 90 percent of our electoral problems will be solved.”

FG, Senate Leaders Head to Washington to Stop US Sanctions Over Christian Genocide.

Top officials of the Federal Government and the National Assembly are set to travel to Washington D.C. in a diplomatic move to stop possible United States sanctions over alleged persecution and genocide of Christians in Nigeria.

The high-powered delegation, which includes federal lawmakers, senior military officers, and heads of security agencies, will meet with members of the U.S. Congress to clarify Nigeria’s position and counter the growing narrative of “Christian genocide.”

The trip follows an urgent resolution by the 10th Senate, sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume, who urged the government to “put the record straight” and prevent sanctions against the country.

According to sources, the delegation will present evidence to prove that the security crisis in Nigeria is not religiously motivated but rather a result of terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts. The team is expected to depart Abuja early next week.

In recent months, U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups have increased pressure on Nigeria over rising attacks on Christian communities. Senator Ted Cruz recently accused Nigeria of “mass murder” of Christians and introduced the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025” (S.2747).

The proposed bill seeks to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a move that could trigger travel bans, arms restrictions, and other economic sanctions.

The Nigerian Senate had earlier dismissed the genocide allegations as “false and dangerous,” warning that such claims could damage the country’s image and inflame religious tensions.

Lawmakers maintained that the ongoing violence is complex and tied to criminality and resource struggles, not state-backed religious persecution.

Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) shows that between January 2020 and September 2025, over 11,800 civilian attacks were recorded in Nigeria. Among them, 385 incidents involved Christian victims, while 196 targeted Muslims, reflecting the widespread nature of insecurity across regions.

Nnamdi Kanu Opens Defence, Lists 23 Witnesses Including Wike, Sanwo-Olu and Ex-Military Chiefs.

Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has agreed to open his defence, marking a major turn in his long-running trial.

This comes just hours after protests in parts of Abuja led by Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, calling for Kanu’s release.

Kanu had earlier filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction, but in a fresh application on Tuesday, October 21, he informed Justice James Omotosho that he was ready to defend himself, citing a previous court order directing him to begin on October 24, 2025.

He revealed plans to call 23 witnesses divided into two groups—“ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses”—to testify under Section 232 of the Evidence Act.

He also requested 90 days to conclude his defence, indicating he may now be representing himself instead of his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

Among those he intends to summon as witnesses are former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), ex-Army Chief Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), and ex-NIA DG Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Kanu said he would personally testify to “deny the allegations” and explain the political context of his actions, assuring the court that he would not waste its time and that “justice must be seen to be done.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who joined the protests demanding his release. 

They face charges of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance, and will appear in court again on October 24.

Free Nnamdi Kanu: More reactions trail Abuja protest.

The Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest’, convened by a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore went on as scheduled on Monday across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Sowore, who had mobilized many Nigerians from across the country to join the demonstration, planned that protesters would march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja to demand for Kanu’s release.

But Justice M.G. Umar, issued an order on October 17, 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, restraining the protesters and other groups from staging any form of demonstrations for Kanu’s release in certain areas within the FCT.

The ruling barred the respondents and any individuals or groups acting on their behalf from protesting within and around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

In line with Justice Umar’s ruling on the protest, men of the Nigeria Police Force barricaded all roads leading to the areas mentioned by the ruling, thereby, frustrating Sowore and his fellow protesters from ensuring that their plans materialized.

While barricading the roads, the police also shot teargas canisters to scare commuters and possible protesters from using the roads.

Despite attempts by security operatives to stifle the protesters from carrying out their programme, Sowore and the demonstrators moved to other areas like Utako and Apo areas of Abuja where they protested.

In the course of the protest, the police arrested and detained Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel; his Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and other protesters at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command CID.

Senate Approves Life Imprisonment for Defilement of Minors.

The Nigerian Senate has approved life imprisonment with no option of fine for anyone found guilty of defiling a minor, marking a tougher stance against child sexual abuse.

During plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio distinguished defilement from rape, insisting that offences involving minors deserve heavier punishment.

“Defilement of a minor should be different from that of rape; those involved in defilement should suffer greater punishment. I promise that it should be 20 years if you defile an underage,” Akpabio said, adding that he had witnessed many cases involving children aged five to ten years.

He then invited contributions from lawmakers. Senator Adamu Aliero proposed that the minimum sentence for defilement be fixed at 20 years, stressing that offenders should not be given any option of fine.

In a stronger recommendation, Senator Sunday Adeleke called for life imprisonment, citing countries like India and Pakistan that treat defilement as a capital offence. He argued that Nigeria must demonstrate zero tolerance for such crimes.

After deliberation, the Senate unanimously adopted the motion, resolving that any man or woman who engages in sexual intercourse with a minor will face life imprisonment without the possibility of a fine.

Lawmakers noted that the resolution reflects the National Assembly’s determination to protect children and curb the rising cases of sexual violence across the country. The Senate President described the decision as a step toward restoring dignity, justice, and moral responsibility within Nigerian society.

Wole Olanipekun Urges Suspension of 1999 Constitution Amendment, Calls for People-Driven Charter by 2031.

Legal luminary and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has urged the National Assembly to halt the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution, describing the existing document as a “military albatross” that continues to hinder Nigeria’s progress.

Olanipekun made the appeal on Monday while delivering Afe Babalola University’s 13th Convocation Lecture in Ado-Ekiti, titled “Nigeria – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Imperative of a Sober and Definitive Recalibration.”

The former Chairman of the Body of Benchers and current Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos stressed that Nigeria must chart a new constitutional course anchored on the collective will of its citizens.

“We cannot continue to live by the 1999 Constitution, which haunts us as a military albatross,” Olanipekun said. “Let us borrow a golden leaf from other countries and agree to live together on acceptable terms and conditions.”

He clarified that suspending the amendment process would not breed instability but would instead allow for sober national reflection.

“By suggesting that the National Assembly stay action on any constitutional amendment for now, one is not advocating anomie,” he explained. “Rather, I propose a transition phase, between now and 2031, to reflect on the ills that have plagued our constitutions to date.”

Olanipekun further called for a national referendum to determine Nigeria’s political and constitutional future, insisting that such a process represents the “unfiltered and undiluted voice of the people.”

His comments align with growing public sentiment that the 1999 Constitution, drafted under military rule, lacks genuine popular legitimacy. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue their review process aimed at amending the same document.

BREAKING: Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers State


The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment in the suit challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

A seven-man panel of justices led by Justice Inyang Okoro reached the decision after hearing final arguments from all parties involved. The date for the judgment will be announced later by the apex court.

According to Naija News, the plaintiffs in the case include the Attorneys General of 10 states, while the Federal Government and the National Assembly are the defendants.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Delta State withdrew from the suit — a move that went uncontested by Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), counsel for the Federal Government.

Representing the plaintiffs, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) clarified that the suit does not challenge the President’s constitutional power to declare a state of emergency, but rather questions its scope and implications, particularly on the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly in Rivers State.

The matter now awaits a final decision from the nation’s highest court.


Source: Naija News / Polance Media Inc.

Sowore Alleges Security Operatives Fired Gunshots, Tear Gas at #FreeNnamdiKanu Protesters.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused Nigerian security operatives of opening fire and releasing tear gas on peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja.

Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Sowore claimed that the protest had barely begun in front of the Transcorp Hilton when security forces arrived in large numbers and launched an unprovoked attack.

“There were about 10 trucks that arrived as soon as we started the protest. There was no provocation on our part, like we had promised, it was an orderly and peaceful protest,” he said.

“Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us, tear gas, some live bullets were f+red. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit with live bullets, but they were just shooting all around us.

Eventually, they did arrest some people. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother was arrested and beaten, and his lawyer was also arrested and beaten. They’ve all been taken to the FCT Command,” Sowore added.

He alleged that a combined team of police, army, and civil defence personnel carried out the operation but confirmed that none of his team members was hit by live rounds.

The protest, led by Sowore, went ahead despite a court injunction restricting demonstrations around Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Eagle Square. Protesters chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before being dispersed by the gunfire and tear gas.

Security was heavy across central Abuja, with roads barricaded and Unity Fountain sealed off. Witnesses also reported security forces firing tear gas near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Utako, scattering a nearby crowd.

Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in custody as his trial on terrorism charges continues. Sowore has described his prolonged detention as “a sham designed to obstruct justice.”

Sowore resumes #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest In Abuja after Police Attacks.

Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, on Monday resumed the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja, hours after police operatives violently dispersed an earlier demonstration at the Transcorp Hilton and Maitama areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Sowore, joined by clergymen, civil society activists, and members of pro-democracy groups, returned to the streets in defiance of what he described as “a brutal and unlawful attempt to silence peaceful citizens.”

The protesters, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, marched through parts of the Central Business District and Eagle Square, demanding the immediate release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Earlier in the day, the protest had turned chaotic when heavily armed police officers fired several rounds of tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered near the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters and Transcorp Hilton. Videos from the scene showed people running in panic as gunfire echoed through the streets.

Despite the chaos, Sowore and several protesters regrouped later in the afternoon, vowing not to be intimidated. Addressing reporters, the activist condemned the police for what he called “an assault on democracy and a violation of the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.”

Protesters Defy Court Order, Vow to Storm Presidential Villa.

According to report by Punch on Monday, October 20, 2025, tensions are mounting in Abuja as security forces prepare for a possible confrontation with #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters, who plan to march to the Presidential Villa today (Monday) to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

This comes despite an interim injunction by the Federal High Court in Abuja restricting demonstrations near sensitive government areas, including Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Force Headquarters.

The organisers, led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and the Take It Back Movement, have vowed to proceed with what they describe as a peaceful protest, both in Abuja and across the South-East.

Damilare Adenola, the group’s Director of Mobilisation, maintained that the march is a constitutional right and a stand against the government’s “illegal and inhumane” actions.

Kanu remains in detention facing charges of terrorism, treason, and incitement. His 2021 re-arrest in Kenya and extradition to Nigeria continue to spark legal and political debates. While critics view his detention as politically motivated, the government insists it is lawful prosecution.

The protest’s timing, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS demonstrations, has heightened government anxiety. Organisers, however, insist that they have informed the police and expect them to provide security rather than clamp down on protesters.

Over 115 lawyers, medical staff, and journalists have been mobilised nationwide to support the march.

The movement has received broad political support, with opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi backing calls for Kanu’s release and urging dialogue instead of repression.

APC Gov Sheriff Oborevwori working, Delta State now construction site – Dino Melaye.

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has described Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State as a working governor.

Melaye said Sheriff as turned the entire Delta State into a construction site.

Posting on X, the former lawmaker said the state is experiencing people oriented projects.

He wrote: “I was waoooed in Delta State. My respect to the Governor and people of Delta state. The entire state is a construction site.

“People oriented projects everywhere across the state. Bravo. Delta is working, governor Sheriff Idigwa 4 u.”

Earlier in 2025, Oborevwori and members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the National Assembly had defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Also, Oborevwori’s predecessor and former PDP’s presidential running mate, Ifwanyi Okowa had defected to the APC.

Court Stops Sowore, Others from Holding October 20 #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest in Abuja.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining activist Omoyele Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, the #RevolutionNow group, and others from organising or participating in the planned October 20 protest demanding the release of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The order, issued by Justice M.G. Umar, followed an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Police Force, which argued that the planned demonstration could threaten public peace and national security within the Federal Capital Territory. The court specifically barred the respondents from staging or promoting any protest around the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, and Unity Fountain in Abuja.

Sowore, however, alleged that the order was granted “in chambers” after the same request had earlier been declined in open court. “After initially rejecting the motion to stop our protest in open court, the judge reportedly granted it in chambers,” he wrote on his social media page, calling the move an attempt to silence dissent.

The #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, scheduled for Monday, October 20, had gained traction online and received endorsement from several political figures, including a former Vice President and a former Senate President. Organisers had vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Kanu, who has been detained since June 2021 on charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony, has continued to attract widespread calls for release amid a lengthy legal battle.

Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert to its citizens ahead of the planned demonstration, warning of potential v+olence and traffic disruptions in the Central Business District, Eagle Square, and surrounding areas. The embassy advised its nationals to avoid protest zones, limit movement, and maintain a low profile throughout Monday.

"Nigeria Needs $1.2 billion to Achieve Gender Equality Targets" — Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has revealed that the country requires $1.2 billion over the next five years to bridge its financing gap and meet national gender equality and social inclusion targets.

Speaking in Abuja during the annual general meeting and founder’s day celebration of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), the minister emphasised that closing the gap demands “bold partnerships and investment in women’s advancement.”

Represented by her special adviser, Ola Erinfolami, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the federal government is exploring blended finance models, public-private partnerships, and impact investments to fund programmes that support women, children, and families.

On the Reserved Seats Bill, she commended the National Assembly for backing efforts to increase women’s political participation, describing it as a “strategic investment in democracy and national progress.”

The Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, also endorsed the bill, urging lawmakers across all levels to pass it for more inclusive governance.

Similarly, Olufolake Abdulrazaq, chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum represented by Hauwa Halira called for mobilising broad support to ensure women’s full political inclusion before the 2027 general elections.

In their remarks, NILOWV founder Esther Udehi and President Irene Awunah-Ikyegh urged grassroots advocacy to boost understanding of the Reserved Seats Bill, while Aishatu Bura, President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), stressed the media’s vital role in amplifying women’s voices and driving inclusive discourse.

Sowore: No Court Order Stopping #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has denied reports that the Federal High Court in Abuja stopped the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest set to hold on Monday, October 20, 2025.

In a post on his X handle, Sowore said there is no court order stopping Nigerians from protesting peacefully. He accused the police and some media outlets of spreading false information to discourage people from joining the rally.

According to him, the court did not grant any order to ban the protest. Instead, Justice Umar refused a police request to stop it, saying the case should first be heard properly before any decision is made.

Sowore wrote: “The Federal High Court in Abuja has not stopped the proposed #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. The so-called ‘court order’ being circulated was secretly obtained by police lawyers and has not even been served on anyone. It only mentioned that protesters should avoid places like Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.”

He added that the protest will still go ahead, saying the movement is “unstoppable.”

“The protest date is sacrosanct; the movement is unstoppable,” he declared.

The Federal High Court in Abuja recently rejected a police bid to halt the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. Justice Umar ruled that the police must first serve the defendants before any hearing, thereby allowing the planned rally to proceed.

Meanwhile, Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing trial has also recorded fresh developments. A court-appointed medical panel recently confirmed that the detained IPOB leader is fit to stand trial, with the matter adjourned to October 23 for the commencement of his defense and October 30 set as the deadline to close it.

Court Bans #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest Around Aso Rock, National Assembly.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining Omoyele Sowore and other activists from organising or participating in the planned October 20 protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Naija News reports that the order follows an ex parte application filed by the Federal Government, represented by the Nigeria Police Force, seeking to prevent the demonstration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a ruling delivered by Justice M.G. Umar, the court prohibited Sowore, the Take It Back Movement, the #RevolutionNow group, and “persons unknown” from participating in, organising, or promoting the protest.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/2202/2025, resulted in a significant setback for activists planning the demonstration.

Confirming the court’s decision, Sowore, a former presidential candidate, expressed his dismay on social media, alleging that the order was granted in chambers after the judge had previously declined to approve the same request in open court.

“After initially declining to grant an ex parte motion to stop our planned protest in open court, the judge reportedly granted it in chambers, imposing a ban on protests at Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, and the Unity Fountain in Abuja,” Sowore said in his post on .

Meanwhile, the United States has issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens to avoid the protest locations in the FCT. The warning comes as tensions rise surrounding the planned demonstration.

The protest, which gained significant momentum online, was originally organised to demand the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Joash Amupitan Reacts After Akpabio Asked Him If He Has Ever Represented Peter Obi In A Legal Case.

Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan has reacted after he was asked if he has ever represented the former governor of Anambra state and Labour Party, LP, candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Gregory Obi, in a legal case.

His reaction was contained in a viral video that was posted on the official X handle of NEWS CENTRAL TV on Thursday, October 16, 2023.

The question was thrown at him by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio during a screening at the National Assembly.

In the viral video that surfaced online, when the Senate President asked if he has ever represented the the former governor of Anambra state in a legal case, he responded by saying that he has never represented him. Joash Ojo Amupitan also stated that he has never represented the Peoples Democratic Party.

He also clarified that he was not among the legal team of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential tribunal.

Here is what the Senate President said;

"So, you have never represented Peter Obi or PDP?".

Here is what Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan said;

"I was not part of it. I didn't represent them".

The Lagos State Government has faulted the move by the National Assembly to repeal the National Lottery Act and replace it with the proposed Central Gaming Bill, describing it as a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution and a subsisting judgement of the Supreme Court.

Bayelsa Deputy Governor Shuns Diri’s Defection to APC — “I’m PDP and Going Nowhere!”


Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has firmly rejected any association with Governor Douye Diri’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring his unwavering loyalty to the PDP.

According to Naija News, Ewhrudjakpo, along with other prominent PDP figures including former Governor Seriake Dickson, vowed to keep the opposition party strong in Bayelsa and across Nigeria. They emphasized that there was no justification for abandoning the party that had been instrumental to their political rise.

A PDP insider revealed to Daily Post:

“The Deputy Governor, Ewhrudjakpo, and our leader, Seriake Dickson, alongside several ex-lawmakers, are still with the PDP. We’re not going anywhere.”


Governor Diri had earlier announced his resignation from the PDP on Wednesday through his spokesperson, Daniel Alabrah, but failed to provide reasons for his move to the ruling APC.

However, sources close to the State Executive Council disclosed that Ewhrudjakpo deliberately avoided the meeting where the governor made his announcement, signaling his refusal to defect.

“The governor chaired the SEC meeting this morning, but the deputy governor was absent. He refused to attend because he’s not defecting with the governor,” a source confirmed.


Meanwhile, lawmakers who followed Diri to the APC are reportedly considering impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor for “gross misconduct” due to his defiance.

“We expect the State Assembly to target him for his stance. If that happens, he’ll have to decide whether to fight or yield,” another insider disclosed.


Ewhrudjakpo, a seasoned politician and lawyer, has been a longtime pillar of the PDP, having served as a senator representing Bayelsa West and in various strategic party and national roles. He and Diri were elected on a joint PDP ticket in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.

As political pressure mounts, Ewhrudjakpo’s stand has set the stage for a dramatic power tussle in Bayelsa’s political landscape.

Nigeria’s next presidential and governorship elections may hold in November 2026, following a proposal by the National Assembly to move the polls six months earlier than usual.