The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Abia State, has refuted media reports alleging that over seven thousand of its members and supporters have defected to the Labour Party, LP, describing the claims as exaggerated and politically insignificant.

The party insisted that the claim does not reflect the party’s actual position in the state.

The reaction followed reports that a former National Executive Committee member of the party, Nduka Anyanwu, announced that more than 7,000 supporters had moved with him to the Labour Party in the State.

Anyanwu, according to our correspondent, made the disclosure during a visit by members of the Labour Party’s State Executive Committee, SEC, led by its State chairman, Peter Azubuike at his residence in Umuahia.

Responding to the development, the Abia APC, through its Spokesperson, Uche Aguoru, in a press statement made available to Journalists, described the reported figure as inaccurate and maintained that Anyanwu’s departure would not weaken the party’s political prospects.

He asserted that the defection of the former party official would not affect its preparations or future electoral ambitions.

The APC leadership in the State further criticised Anyanwu’s previous role within the party and questioned his political influence in the state.

Aguoru, in the press statement, accused the former party official of allegedly being associated with actions that undermined the party’s performance during previous election cycles.

He also alleged that Anyanwu worked against the party’s interests during previous political contests in the state.

The APC Spokesperson claimed that Anyanwu’s political activities have contributed to challenges faced by the party during earlier attempts to strengthen its electoral position.

“While serving as a member of the APC’s 2023 Presidential Campaign Council, Anyanwu supported political interests outside the party structure.

“Anyanwu had gradually withdrawn from active participation in APC meetings and internal activities before the reported defection. So the claims regarding the number of supporters who defected along with him are highly questionable,” the press statement added.

Despite the development, the APC leadership reiterated that it remained focused on rebuilding and expanding its political support ahead of future elections.

The party maintained that it remains committed to securing stronger electoral outcomes across the state.

It also used the medium to encourage supporters to remain focused on party organisation and future political engagement rather than being distracted by speculations surrounding the defection.

“Abia APC remains confident in its structure and believes the reported defection will not significantly affect its future electoral plans,” the release stated.

A Federal High Court in Lokoja has set aside an earlier judgment that compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.
The development was shared by Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a post on X on Friday.

The latest ruling by the presiding judge, Justice Isah Dashen comes days after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered INEC to register the Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA) as a political party.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who presided over the Abuja case, had directed INEC to issue the party with a certificate of registration within seven days after ruling in a suit filed by Tamunotonye Samuel Solomon Inioribo and two others.

More details are expected.

By Peter Duru, Makurdi 

The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from claims that Mr. Emmanuel Agbo is the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections, describing such assertions as false and misleading. 

In a statement signed by the party’s State Secretary, Dan Nyikwagh, and made available to journalists, the PDP said Agbo “is not and has never been” its governorship candidate, warning the public against being deceived by what it termed fraudulent claims. 

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Benue State Chapter, under the Chairmanship of Chief Ezekiel Adaji, wishes to unequivocally and categorically state that Emmanuel Agbo is not and has never been the governorship candidate of our great party for the 2027 general elections,” the statement said. 

The PDP further maintained that any publication, video, or public statement presenting Agbo as its governorship flag bearer was “a deliberate falsehood, a calculated act of impersonation, and a clear attempt to deceive the good people of Benue State.” 

According to the party, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, remains its recognized and legitimate governorship candidate for the 2027 election. 

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Benue State PDP has, through a transparent and unanimous consensus process duly affirmed by party leaders, stakeholders, and members, recognized Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, as the authentic and legitimate governorship candidate of the party for the 2027 elections,” the statement added. 

The party claimed that the consensus process was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and reflected the collective will of its members across the state. 

The PDP warned that it would not tolerate attempts to create confusion within its ranks, disclosing that it had commenced legal and constitutional measures against those involved involved in impersonation. 

The opposition party also called on media organizations, security agencies, and members of the public to disregard any narrative portraying Agbo as its governorship candidate. 

“The PDP remains focused, united, and ready to rescue and rebuild Benue state under the capable umbrella of Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa,” the statement added.