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Atiku: “I bear no grudges against PDP Members’ Defectors to APC “

Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy — they are fundamental rights

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Atiku Abubakar, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the 2023 presidential election wrote today on his official Facebook page :

“I have been overwhelmed with inquiries from concerned Nigerians, all eager to understand my position on the latest political shifts, particularly the defection of some PDP members to the ruling party.

Let me be unequivocal: freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy — they are fundamental rights.

Alongside these stand the pillars of a just and functional democratic society: the people, the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability. Undermine any of these, and democracy itself begins to crumble.

As someone who holds fast to these values, I bear no grudges against anyone for exercising their right to political alignment.

Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics.

We’ve seen them before, and we’ll see them again.Some have resorted to insults because I visited former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Let’s not rewrite history: Buhari is not only a former leader but a significant statesman in the Nigerian political landscape.

During the 2013 opposition merger, the leaders of the time consulted widely — including visits to Obasanjo and Babangida.

So why is it now sacrilegious for me and other leaders to visit Buhari in Kaduna? If you truly believe in freedom of association, then you must respect the rights of all political actors to engage, regardless of party lines.

Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics.

When PDP leaders are busy sipping tea and brokering power deals with President Tinubu, it’s called strategic alliance.

But the moment I greet Peter Obi, el-Rufai, or visit Buhari, it becomes a national emergency. Hypocrisy and the politics of selective outrage have never been this fashionable!

Let us be clear: the coming political battle is not APC versus PDP or LP versus APC. It is Nigerians versus an administration that has plunged the nation into untold suffering.

The economy is in freefall. Inflation is choking the masses. Jobs are vanishing.

Youth restiveness is surging to terrifying levels. Nigerians are not just tired — they are angry, and rightfully so.

This moment is about collective survival. The real enemy is not one another — it is the Tinubu administration’s abysmal failure.

We must reject every attempt to distract us with ethnic, regional, or religious sentiments. These are tools of manipulation, designed to divide and conquer, used by those with nothing else to offer.

The Tinubu administration has no achievements to stand on and no credible record to defend. Its only strategy is chaos and division because that’s the last refuge of the incompetent.

And make no mistake— an incompetent captain does not only wreck his ship; he endangers the lives of everyone on board. -AA”

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Politics

JUST IN: Governor Dapo Abiodun Wins Ogun East APC Senatorial Primary

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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has been officially declared the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Ogun East Senatorial District.

The primary, held on Monday, saw Abiodun emerge victorious as the party’s candidate for the senatorial seat ahead of the upcoming general elections.

Details of the vote margin and other results from the primary are expected to be released by the APC Ogun State chapter in due course.

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Politics

APC primaries: Akpabio returns unopposed

In his remarks, Senator Akpabio expressed gratitude to party faithful for the confidence they have always reposed in him, assuring constituents of continued quality representation and effective leadership at the National Assembly.

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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has been elected as the sole APC candidate in the party primary in the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.

In a statement from his Media Office on Monday, constituents and party faithful turned out en masse for the affirmation of Senator Akpabio as the candidate for the senatorial district.

Akpabio, who was returned unopposed as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, took part in the primary election at his Ward Centre at Methodist School Ukana, Ukana West 11, Essien Udim Local Government Area.

“Although he was the only aspirant, his kinmen trooped out to the Ward Centre to support their son whom they said had given them effective representation in all the previous offices he had held having served as Commissioner, Governor, Minority Leader of the Senate, Minister and presently the President of the 10th Senate.

In his remarks, Senator Akpabio expressed gratitude to party faithful for the confidence they have always reposed in him, assuring constituents of continued quality representation and effective leadership at the National Assembly.

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APC disqualies Ben Murray-Bruce, 46 others from senatorial race

The list was made public on Monday in a press statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

According to the statement, “The

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• Senator Ben Murray-Bruce

The All Progressives Congress’ Screening Committees has disqualified Ben Murray-Bruce, a former senator who represented Bayelsa East, along with 46 from participation in its Senate primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The list was made public on Monday in a press statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

According to the statement, “The screening exercise was conducted by the Party’s Screening Committees in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.”

The APC did not provide reasons for the disqualification of the affected aspirants.

Rivers West senatorial district had the highest number of disqualified aspirants, with four names listed: Oyukaye Flag Amachree, Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo, Jack-Rich Tein, and Banigo Ipalibo.

Zamfara State also recorded a high number, with seven aspirants across its Central, North, and West districts failing to secure clearance.

The APC did not provide reasons for the disqualification of the affected aspirants.

Here is the full list:

ADAMAWA

Hamish Idris — North

Abdurman Kwacham — North

ANAMBRA

Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue — North

BAYELSA

Donald Daunemigita — West

Ben Murray-Bruce — East

Benson S. Agadaga — East

CROSS RIVER

Daniel Effiong Asuquo — South

Oden Ibiang O Ewa — Central

DELTA

Marian Nnamaka Ogoha-Ali — North

FCT

Usman J. Wowo

Abubakar Umar Abdullahi

JIGAWA

Adam Mouktar Mohammed — South/West

KEBBI

Garba Musa Mai Doki — South

KWARA

Kollo B. Jiya — North

Olutola John Onijala — South

Awolola Muritala — South

Adeleke Emmanuel Gbenga — South

NASARAWA

Abdullahi Tanko Zubairu — North

Usman Muhammed Elegu — South

Yusuf Moh’d Agabi — South

Ari Ali Muhammed — South

NIGER

Muhammed Rabiu Sadiq — Niger/South

Muhammed Bello A. — Niger South

Bello Bawa Bwari — Niger South

OYO

Ademola Wasiu Alli — Central

Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega — North

Kolapoboye Kola Daisi — South

Faozey Oladotun Nurudeen — Central

Hameed Afeez Repete — Central

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