Politics
Another Defection Boosts APC to Two-Thirds Majority in Nigerian Senate
The Nigerian Senate’s opposition has taken another hit following the defection of Senator Kaila Sumaila Dahuwa from Bauchi North, who officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This move increases the APC’s Senate strength to 73 members, granting the party a critical two-thirds majority in the 109-member chamber.
The defection marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially with just 14 months remaining before the 2026 general elections.
In a notice read out by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Kaila attributed his decision to the “prolonged internal division, crisis, and loss of strategic direction and leadership” within the PDP, signaling deep-rooted challenges within the opposition party.
Senator Kaila’s defection comes on the heels of a similar move last week by Senator Kelvin Chukwu of the Labour Party, who also abandoned the opposition to join the APC. These consecutive defections have dealt a blow to the opposition’s ability to challenge the ruling party effectively in the Senate.
With the APC now holding an absolute two-thirds majority, it gains increased legislative influence, including the power to pass constitutional amendments without needing support from other parties. This shift could significantly impact the legislative agenda and political balance as the country gears up for the next general elections.
The opposition is now left with a diminished presence: the PDP holds 27 seats, the Labour Party (LP) has 4 senators, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) controls 2 seats—including Senator Aliyu Wadada, who has yet to formally declare his defection to the APC—while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) holds 2 seats and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) retains 1.
Political analysts warn that this trend of defections could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics and weaken the opposition’s ability to serve as a strong check on the ruling party’s power in the lead-up to 2026. Meanwhile, the APC continues to consolidate its hold on the Senate, positioning itself for a smoother path in advancing its legislative priorities.
News
Prominent PDP Figure Kola Ologbondiyan Resigns from Party After Decades of Service
In a surprise move that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s opposition politics, Kola Ologbondiyan, the former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has formally resigned from the party, ending a storied career that spanned national leadership roles and high-stakes election campaigns.
Ologbondiyan, a seasoned political communicator and ex-journalist, announced his departure in a heartfelt letter dated December 5, 2025, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Okekoko Ward (Ward 09) in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The missive was made public on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, underscoring the finality of his decision amid ongoing internal PDP tensions.
In the letter, Ologbondiyan reflected on his journey with the party, extending profuse thanks to its leadership for the platforms afforded to him. “Let me start by thanking you as well as other levels of leadership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the opportunities provided for me to serve the party as well as our fatherland, Nigeria,” he wrote, evoking a sense of closure to his contributions.
The resignation stems from a deeply personal reckoning, Ologbondiyan explained. After a thorough self-assessment of his role within the PDP’s structure, he determined that stepping away was the most appropriate path forward.
“It is now imperative to bring your attention to the fact that I have reviewed my participation in the PDP and came to the conclusion that, for personal reasons, I need to make my exit. I have therefore come to a decision to formally withdraw my membership of the PDP, henceforth,” he stated plainly.
He concluded the correspondence by notifying the ward executives of his immediate exit and extending warm wishes for the party’s future endeavors, a gesture that tempers the news with goodwill rather than acrimony.
Ologbondiyan’s tenure in the PDP was marked by pivotal media and advisory roles. He previously served as Director of Media and Publicity for the PDP Presidential Campaign Council during the 2019 general elections, where he helmed communications for Atiku Abubakar’s bid against then-incumbent Muhammadu Buhari.
Earlier in his career, he worked as a media aide to former Senate President David Mark, who now leads the African Democratic Congress (ADC), though no immediate ties to that party have been indicated in Ologbondiyan’s announcement.
The resignation comes at a precarious moment for the PDP, which has grappled with internal divisions and electoral setbacks since losing the presidency in 2015. Political analysts speculate that Ologbondiyan’s departure could signal broader disillusionment among the party’s old guard, though he has not yet hinted at future affiliations.
As of Sunday, reactions from PDP stalwarts remain muted, with the party’s national headquarters yet to issue an official response.
Ologbondiyan’s exit leaves a void in the PDP’s publicity machinery, where his sharp-witted defenses often shaped public narratives during turbulent times.
News
Osun PDP Congress: Thugs Arrested, Alleged Governor Makinde Mobilised Them
Scores of Hoodlums Arrested, confessed Governor Makinde mobilised them. Members of the Oyo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dominated today’s governorship primaries of the PDP held at Osogbo, investigation and eyewitness accounts at the venue have revealed.
Buses filled with PDP members were seen entering from both Iwo and Ikire end of Osun state last night and early this morning with many of the buses stopping at Adolak hotel, the venue of the congress.
A check through the hall revealed that Osun PDP members were not in attendance even though the Ibadan based zonal youth leader of the PDP was identified as the anchor mobilised of the Oyo state PDP members for the Osun Congress.
A chat with some of the individuals at the Congress confirmed that they were mostly from Oyo state with some of them actually confirming that they were recruited to attend.
The presence of Police men and women from Oyo state who provided security cover for the mobilised party members.
Some political thugs were however arrested and they narrated how they were mobilised from the Government House in Oyo state.
On why Oyo PDP members had to be mobilised for the Osun Congress, a party chieftain from Oyo state who was also present said “Osun PDP did not conduct the mandatory three adhoc delegates to vote at the Congress.
“ So we fill the vacancies with our people from Oyo state. We cannot allow PDP to die here. That is why we have to so mobilise”, the source noted.
Politics
Osun PDP Governorship Primary: Adebayo Adedamola Emerges Winner
Adedamola polled 919 votes out of 957 cast in the primary held today in Osogbo, the state capital.
•Adebayo Adedamola
Adebayo Adedamola on Tuesday emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the Osun 2026 election.
Adedamola polled 919 votes out of 957 cast in the primary held today in Osogbo, the state capital.
The chairman of the primary, Humphrey Abba, announced the result, stating, ”Void votes 20. We told you earlier that one of the aspirants withdrew.
“The candidate that got the remaining votes is Adebayo Adedamola with 919 votes and stands elected and returned.”
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