Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo says he is optimistic that more members of the opposition party will defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He made this known while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Saturday after a meeting with political stakeholders from Delta.

Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori; his deputy; former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other PDP chieftains in Delta State recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

“You can see the tide is moving and people are joining and there will be no end to it. You must have heard that our party in Delta is growing from strength to strength.

“The high point of the state of the party is that Delta is now almost a one-party state,” Uzodimma said.

Gov. Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), said that with the development in Delta, the APC would use its internal mechanism to integrate old and new members.

“We have to meet to be able to manage this very huge success, to ensure that using the mechanism, the internal mechanism of our great party, that we will receive our new members, our new leaders.

“We will then come together as a family to grow the party and support the government in Delta for the benefit of our people and members of our great party.

“So, I think we are happy with the development and a big testimony to the fact that the APC government in Nigeria is being admired by many, if not all and sundry.”

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni has said that he is not joining the opposition leaders’ coalition being spearheaded by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, in Damaturu on Saturday.

NAN reports that a viral text message had claimed that Buni and four other APC governors had concluded arrangements to defect to the opposition PDP and join the coalition before the 2027 general elections.

Mohammed described the viral message as baseless fabrications, unwarranted imagination and assumptions that did not cross path with reality in any way, shape and form.

He said that at no time was the author of the text ever been close to the governor to think that he could attempt to predict the governor’s political movement.

“Buni is no ordinary member of APC; he is not just an APC governor. He is APC in all ramifications, with APC flowing in his veins.

“His contributions to building APC as a two-term National Secretary and National Chairman who chaired the party’s convention committee makes him unique and whose imagination of leaving the party cannot be speculated,” he said.

Mohammed said that the author and his paymasters must have been interested in Buni’s political sagacity and only wished they would have the likes of the governor. It must be wishful thinking,” he said.

Ekiti North stakeholders plan grand endorsement rally for Gov Oyebanji
Stakeholders across the five local government areas of Ekiti North Senatorial District — Ido/Osi, Ilejemeje, Ikole, Moba, and Oye — are set to hold a Grand Endorsement Rally in honour of the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Aduye, to add their voice to the growing call for his return to office for a second term.

According to a release by the planning committee, the rally is scheduled for 10.00am on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Event Arcade, Akinlade Estate, Olojudo Road, Ido-Ekiti.

Themed “One Ekiti North! One Voice! One Agenda! BAO Again!!!”, the event represents a powerful, collective affirmation of support for Governor Oyebanji’s sterling leadership and impressive developmental strides across the state.

The decision to endorse the Governor and his deputy follows extensive consultations and careful consideration by stakeholders across all segments of Ekiti North.

The consensus is unambiguous: Governor Oyebanji is not only fulfilling his promises, but has exhibited exemplary integrity, proven competence, and a compassionate, people-first approach to governance.

His inclusive style, pragmatic reforms, and relentless commitment to infrastructure, public service delivery, and human capital development have earned him widespread admiration and trust.

The rally will convene a broad-based coalition of political leaders, youth and women’s groups, professionals, artisans, the traditional institution, and civil society actors — all united by a common belief in the Governor’s transformative record and forward-looking vision for Ekiti State.

At the heart of the endorsement lies a triad of values that define the Ekiti North identity:

United – Our strength lies in our solidarity. Across wards, communities, generations, and political affiliations, we stand as one people with a shared destiny.

Progressive – We are forward-looking, committed to bold ideas and sustainable development that uplift every member of our community.

Principled – We are guided by values. Integrity, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to service form the core of our political culture.

“Governor Oyebanji embodies the spirit of selfless service and transformational leadership that our people deeply respect. Ekiti North is not only endorsing him — we are reaffirming our confidence in a leader who represents the very best of our aspirations.”

Stakeholders emphasize that the rally is more than a political gathering — it is a civic declaration of trust, unity, and a shared vision for the future of Ekiti.