Politics
APC Group Cautions Against Litigations In Bayelsa Gov Race
The Progressive Minds, a faction of the APC, has issued a warning to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to take precautionary measures to avoid potential legal challenges that could hinder the party’s ability to nominate a candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State.
According to the group, certain individuals who have purchased nomination forms for the upcoming APC gubernatorial primary in Bayelsa State are reportedly holding political appointments in violation of the new electoral act.
The national coordinator of the Progressive Minds, Raymond Ayebapreye, released a statement to the press in Abuja, in which he highlighted the group’s concerns.
Specifically, Ayebapreye drew attention to Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act (as amended) which states, “that no political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of a candidate for any election.
“Section 84(13) reads: “Where a political party fails to comply with the provisions of this act in the conduct of its primaries, its candidate for the election shall not be included in the election for the particular position in issue.”
The Progressive Minds’ statement comes in response to allegations that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, has been granted clearance by the APC screening committee to participate in the gubernatorial election.
The group has expressed concern that allowing Sylva to run while he remains in office would be detrimental to the party’s chances, as it could open the door for legal challenges from rival political parties who are mindful of the provisions of the law.
The group warns that such challenges could ultimately harm the APC’s prospects in the election.
The Progressive Minds also reminded the APC of the outcome of similar situations that occurred during the last elections in the state, in which the party won the governorship election at the polls but ultimately lost in court due to pre-election legal disputes.
The group added “Recall that David Lyon won the governorship on the platform of the APC but was sacked by the Supreme Court. Although the circumstances may differ bottom line remains that the party lost in court. What this teaches is that we must as a party pay close attention to the provisions of the electoral act and the constitution generally to avoid a repeat of the ugly situation”
According to report, David Lyon is also among the gubernatorial aspirants seeking the APC’s nomination for the upcoming election.
In addition, the incumbent governor, Duoye Diri, is expected to seek re-election for a second term under the PDP.
Duoye Diri became the governor of Bayelsa State three years ago after the Supreme Court nullified the victory of the then-governor-elect, David Lyon due to inconsistencies in the certificates of his deputy governor-elect.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the governorship election in Bayelsa State will take place on November 11th, as scheduled in their official timetable.
Former senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Philip Aduda, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing ongoing internal conflicts within the party.
Aduda announced his resignation in a letter dated March 17, 2026, addressed to the PDP chairman of Karu Ward in Abuja.
In the letter, he stated that his decision takes immediate effect, blaming persistent crises rocking the party for his exit.
READ MORE: Defections Won’t Break PDP in Sokoto, Says Former Senator Gada
“I write to formally notify you of my resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect due to the crisis in the party,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to serve in various elective positions across the country.
His departure adds to the growing wave of defections currently reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly within the Senate.
In recent developments, several PDP lawmakers have defected to rival parties. Three senators — Amos Yohanna, Aminu Iyal Abbas, and Ikra Aliyu Bilbis — recently joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, increasing its dominance in the Senate to 84 members.
The defections have reduced the PDP’s Senate strength from 17 to 14 members.
Meanwhile, five other PDP senators have moved to the African Democratic Congress, which has now emerged as the main opposition party in the Senate with nine members.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially kicked off its nationwide elections, marking the start of a major leadership renewal ahead of the party’s National Convention scheduled for April 14, 2026.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo, and National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, outlined the timetable for the election process.
According to the statement, polling unit and ward congresses will hold on April 7, followed by local government area congresses on April 9 and state congresses on April 11.
ALSO READ: PDP’s Festering Crisis Chases Tambuwal to ADC
The exercise is part of ADC’s constitutional mandate to refresh its leadership structures across all levels, culminating in the national convention in April. Party members interested in contesting vacant positions have been urged to obtain and submit nomination or expression of interest forms via the official ADC website.
“This process forms part of the party’s constitutional responsibility to renew its leadership structures across all levels of the organisation, culminating in the national convention,” the statement said.
The party also called on members nationwide to participate actively in the congresses and to conduct themselves in accordance with ADC’s constitution, guidelines, and democratic principles.
The nationwide elections are expected to set the stage for a robust leadership team as ADC positions itself strategically ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A former senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, Abubakar Umar Gada, has assured members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the party remains strong and united in Sokoto State despite recent defections by some political figures.
Gada gave the assurance in a statement issued on Thursday in Sokoto, where he urged party loyalists to remain calm, focused and committed to the ideals of the PDP.
According to him, political defections are not unusual in Nigeria’s democratic landscape and should not be seen as a threat to the stability and strength of the party in the state.
SEE MORE: PDP’s Festering Crisis Chases Tambuwal to ADC
The former lawmaker stressed that the PDP still enjoys a strong grassroots presence in Sokoto, noting that the party’s structure across the state remains intact and capable of delivering electoral victories.
He explained that the strength of the PDP lies in the loyalty and dedication of its members, leaders and supporters who have remained committed to the party through various political challenges.
Gada also pointed out that politics allows individuals the freedom to make personal decisions, but maintained that the PDP as an institution remains resilient and firmly rooted in the aspirations of the people of Sokoto State and Nigeria.
He further disclosed that the party’s national leadership has already initiated measures aimed at strengthening internal unity and consolidating party structures across the country.
According to him, consultations and reconciliation efforts are currently ongoing among key stakeholders to address emerging concerns and reinforce unity within the party.
Gada noted that such engagements are designed to ensure the PDP moves forward with renewed focus, stronger unity and a clear commitment to democratic values.
He recalled that the party has successfully navigated several political challenges in the past and has consistently emerged stronger.
The former senator therefore urged PDP members in Sokoto State to remain steadfast and avoid actions capable of creating divisions within the party.
He also called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and strengthen party structures across all levels as the party prepares for future political contests.
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