Breaking
Nine Senators Defect to ADC in Fresh Shake-Up of Senate Politics
By Favour Bibaikefie
A fresh wave of political realignment swept through the Nigerian Senate on Thursday as nine senators elected on the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The defections were announced on the floor of the Senate chamber during plenary, marking a significant shift in the composition of the upper legislative chamber and signaling growing momentum for the ADC within the National Assembly.
The lawmakers who switched allegiance include Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who moved from the Labour Party to the ADC, as well as Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo of Nasarawa South, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto South, Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe of Adamawa South, and Senator Austin Akobundu of Abia Central, all of whom defected from the Peoples Democratic Party.
Also joining the ADC is Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South, who previously belonged to the All Progressives Grand Alliance, alongside two Labour Party senators from Anambra State — Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) and Senator Tony Nwoye (Anambra North).
Completing the list is Senator Lawal Adamu Usman of Kaduna Central, who also left the PDP to join the ADC.
The defections were formally communicated to the Senate leadership during plenary, in line with parliamentary procedures that require lawmakers to notify the chamber whenever they change party affiliation.
Although the senators did not extensively elaborate on their reasons during the session, political observers believe the move reflects growing dissatisfaction within some opposition parties and an attempt by the lawmakers to reposition themselves ahead of future political developments.
The development is expected to trigger fresh debate about party stability within Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and could potentially influence alliances and legislative dynamics in the Senate.
Analysts note that the entry of high-profile politicians such as former Sokoto State governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and veteran lawmakers like Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Senator Victor Umeh may further strengthen the ADC’s visibility and political influence.
With the latest defections, attention is now turning to how the shifting alliances may affect voting blocs, committee leadership, and broader legislative negotiations within the National Assembly.
More reactions from political stakeholders and party leaderships are expected in the coming days as the implications of the move continue to unfold.
Breaking
Warri NUJ Chapel Raises Alarm Over Alleged Constitutional Breaches Ahead of Delta Council Election
By Favour Bibaikefie
Tension appears to be mounting within the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as the Warri Correspondents’ Chapel has raised serious concerns over the conduct of the state chairman, Mr. Churchill Oyowe, ahead of the union’s forthcoming election.
At an emergency congress convened in Warri, members of the chapel expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as actions that allegedly undermine the provisions of the NUJ Constitution 2023 (Amended) and the democratic traditions of the union.
The congress particularly faulted the alleged removal of some members from the voters’ register, describing the move as contrary to Article 3:3(g) of the union’s constitution. According to the chapel, the development has generated unease among members who fear it could affect the credibility of the impending election.
Members at the meeting also criticised what they termed a style of leadership that allegedly sidelines key administrative processes within the council. The congress claimed that concerns raised by the Acting State Secretary regarding the election process were not adequately addressed.
In a resolution reached after deliberations, the chapel urged the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to intervene in the matter to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process within the Delta State Council.
The Warri Correspondents’ Chapel also appealed for the reinstatement of members reportedly removed from the voters’ list and called for a review of the status of candidates said to have been disqualified from contesting in the election.
While reiterating its commitment to the unity and credibility of the union, the chapel emphasised the need for transparency and strict adherence to constitutional provisions in the conduct of NUJ affairs.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Delta State Council leadership were ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Effurun, Delta State — The Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Engr. Kestin Pondi, has empowered 80 entrepreneurs with business grants of ₦10 million each under the second edition of the Kestin Pondi Business Grant (KPBG) programme, in a move aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses across the region.
The presentation of the grants took place at the MBB Event Centre in Effurun, where beneficiaries gathered alongside guests, supporters, and business stakeholders for the grand finale of the programme.
The atmosphere at the venue was filled with excitement as the successful entrepreneurs were formally unveiled and presented with cheques to support the expansion of their businesses.
Speaking during the event, Pondi reiterated his commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and promoting enterprise development. According to him, the initiative was conceived as a platform to provide financial support to individuals with viable business ideas and help strengthen the foundation of small and medium-scale enterprises.
In a moment that attracted loud applause from the audience, Pondi announced that each of the 80 beneficiaries would receive ₦10 million to scale up their ventures.
Following the announcement, the entrepreneurs were invited to the stage one after another to receive their cheques and pose for photographs, as friends, family members, and supporters celebrated their achievements.
The Kestin Pondi Business Grant programme was first introduced in 2025, when 40 entrepreneurs were selected as beneficiaries and each received ₦5 million to support their businesses.
With the number of beneficiaries doubled and the grant amount significantly increased in the second edition, the initiative has gained wider recognition as one of the notable private-sector driven efforts in the Niger Delta aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, stimulating economic activity, and creating opportunities for emerging business owners.
Observers at the event described the programme as a significant intervention that could help nurture sustainable businesses and encourage more young people to pursue entrepreneurship.
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled plans to organise a nationwide mock presidential exercise as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The proposed simulation, according to the commission, is aimed at testing and strengthening its result transmission infrastructure, while addressing technical shortcomings observed in previous electoral cycles.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, made this known in Abuja during the Citizens’ Townhall on the Electoral Act 2026. He assured Nigerians that the commission is taking deliberate steps to enhance transparency, logistics and technological efficiency in order to deliver what he described as the country’s most credible election yet.
Amupitan explained that the mock poll would serve as a stress test for the commission’s systems, particularly in the area of electronic transmission of results across the country. He noted that lessons from the exercise would be applied to fine-tune operational strategies ahead of the main elections.
The commission also announced an adjustment to the 2027 election timetable. Under the revised schedule, Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
INEC maintained that early planning and system testing remain central to restoring public confidence and ensuring a seamless electoral process nationwide.
Source: GbaramatuVoiceTV