Politics
Gombe: Governor Yahaya Faces Another Defection As Aide Joins NNPP
Chokalin Waja, the former special assistant (SA) to the Gombe state Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has announced his resignation and defection to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
This comes just one week after the former chairman of the NNPP in Gombe state defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a letter issued on Wednesday, February 7th, 2023, Waja, a traditional title holder in the Balanga Chiefdom, stated that his departure from his position was due to a perceived lack of respect for rules and regulations by the state government. Waja had been appointed as the SA for Information and Strategy in December 2022.
He stated, “I was appointed as SA, going by terms of reference in my appointment, I am expected to assist the Governor on issues relating to the government including on how to deliver good governance and even how to win the forthcoming elections.”
“I realized that I was appointed to do nothing. Even when things are going wrong, nobody listens or wants to take advice from the government.”
The Chokalin Waja told reporters in Gombe, “Even the salary I was placed on was not sufficient to work as a political office holder who is expected to work with people and give a kind of returns to the party (the All Progressives Congress, APC).”
“As a political appointee, in political or election period, you are expected to assist and support the governor in seeing people to ensure the party’s success,” he added.
In explaining his decision to join the NNPP, Waja expressed his belief that the party’s candidate for governor is the most capable and ready team in the running for the position in the state.
He also said, “Mailantarki has the requirements to be a better governor for Gombe. He has everything ranging from human relations, zeal and ideas to deliver good governance and move Gombe out of the current challenges”.
“That was why I joined the NNPP and believed we would work for the party and deliver it at all levels of the elections. The people of Gombe state are tired of recycling these veteran politicians who always prioritize friends and family,” Chokalin Waja said.
Deji Adeyanju, a Nigerian activist and lawyer, has made explosive claims regarding the 2023 presidential election, suggesting that former Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso secretly supported President Bola Tinubu’s campaign.
In a post shared on his 𝕏 page Thursday, Adeyanju contended that Obi, who ran against Tinubu, would likely continue to support the president in future political endeavors.
He expressed certainty that Obi would decline any efforts to form a coalition aimed at challenging Tinubu in the next election.
READ ALSO: Lad Who Stood In Front Of Obi’s Convoy Apprehended For Street Fighting – Police
“I’m 100% convinced that Obi worked for Tinubu in 2023 and will do so again. I might be wrong, but I’m convinced in my mind about this,” Adeyanju wrote.
“Once a businessman, always a businessman. Those still in doubt will see the clear handwriting before 2027. He will refuse to join the coalition,” he continued.
Additionally, Adeyanju accused Kwankwaso of working in favor of Tinubu during the previous election.
He emphasized that for any opposition coalition to succeed in the 2027 race, figures like Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—another presidential hopeful—must step aside.
“For the coalition to succeed, all the self-centered politicians like Atiku & Obi should promise not to run and allow neutral folks to run against Tinubu,” Adeyanju proposed. “This is how to put the interest of the nation above personal interest,” he added.
The activist went on to criticize the culture surrounding Nigerian politics, describing it as an industry driven by opportunism.
He lamented the presence of “merchants” surrounding top politicians, accusing them of putting personal gain ahead of the country’s well-being. “The biggest industry in Africa is politics,” Adeyanju said.
“And those around popular politicians are all merchants. Once politics is around the corner, they are in business. Con men and women who just want to cash out.”
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, attended his first National Economic Council (NEC) meeting today at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Ibas was appointed to the position by President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in March 2025.
READ MORE: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
The NEC meeting, which is being presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gathered a number of state governors and deputy governors from across the 36 states of Nigeria to discuss important national economic issues.
Among the notable figures in attendance was Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Governor Oborevwori led the opening prayers at the meeting on the instruction of Vice President Shettima.
Other state governors present included Rev. Fr. Hycinth Alia of Benue State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, and Bassey Otu of Cross River, along with several deputy governors.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending his long-standing association with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under which he was elected in 2023.
The switch was confirmed on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba.
According to his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the decision came after extensive deliberations.
READ ALSO: Edo LP Senator, Neda Imasuen Set To Join APC
“This move followed wide consultations with political stakeholders and is in the interest of Delta’s long-term development,” Ahon stated.
Oborevwori was welcomed into the APC by senior party figures, marking what observers are calling a calculated political maneuver with potential ramifications for the 2027 elections.
More to follow…………..
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