Politics
Tinubu Wouldn’t Have Become President By Defecting – Gov Otti
Given the exodus of Nigerian politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), largely perceived to be in desperation to curry favour from President Bola Ahmed Tinbu and escape corruption charges, a governor has declared that he doesn’t have to defect to be close to the president.
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti expressed the view on Friday during an interview with Arise Television, Lagos and waved aside the notion that joining the ruling party had become a cine-qua-non to bonding with the president and preserving personal political ambitions.
He noted that President Tinubu would not have realized his ambition of becoming Nigeria’s president by trading his political party when in minority and opposition for the ruling party.
Gov Otti maintained that, “This is democracy, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held on to his Alliance for Democracy, Action Congress, and Action Congress of Nigeria before becoming APC. If he had defected, he wouldn’t be president today. Sometimes, you also have to stand for something.”
ALSO READ: ‘I’m Not Quitting PDP’ – Gov Adeleke To Osun Stakeholders’ Forum
On the speculation that he planned to leave the Labour Party (LP) for the APC, Gov Otti stated that not everyone had to join the ruling party.
When asked if he needed to defect to be close to the centre like Okowa and Oborevwori, Otti said, “I am even closer to the centre than some of them.
“Governor Otti is not decamping, and my party is not on shaky ground.”
However, on the leadership crisis in the LP, Gov Otti stated that he was uncertain about his future in the party.
He said, “I am not God. I cannot say if there’ll still be an LP tomorrow.”
Interestingly, Gov Otti also pointed out that the National Chairman of LP, Julius Abure, was no longer the party’s leader, stressing that his tenure had expired.
He added that a Caretaker Committee is currently in charge of the party.
Recall that Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, along with members of the Delta State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PPDP), recently joined the APC.
During their official reception on Monday, Okowa, who was the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, said he and his successor joined the ruling party to connect Delta State to Aso Rock.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm over a fake online recruitment notice claiming that the commission has commenced the recruitment and training of ad-hoc staff ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC issued the warning on Monday, August 31, 2026, following the circulation of a message online directing prospective applicants to a website purportedly created for the recruitment exercise.
The electoral commission dismissed the information as false, stressing that the recruitment notice and website did not originate from it.
SEE MORE: 2027: ‘We Must Build the Table’ — Opposition Leaders Meet in Abuja to Challenge Tinubu
In a statement, INEC said, “The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been drawn to a message circulating online claiming that the Commission is currently recruiting and training ad-hoc staff for the 2027 General Election.”
The commission further clarified that the website being circulated is not its official recruitment portal.
“This information is not from INEC. The website/link being circulated is NOT an official INEC recruitment portal,” INEC stated.
The electoral body warned Nigerians against clicking on the link or providing personal information through the platform, particularly as fraudulent recruitment websites can be used to obtain sensitive details or solicit payments.
“Members of the public are strongly advised NOT to click on the link, submit personal information, upload documents or make any payment through the platform,” the commission warned.
INEC advised members of the public to rely only on its verified communication channels and official websites for information concerning recruitment and election-related activities.
“INEC’s official recruitment and election-related announcements are published through the Commission’s verified communication channels and official websites,” it said.
The commission directed Nigerians seeking authentic information to visit its official website, inecnigeria.org.
INEC also noted that it had previously warned the public about fraudulent websites and fake recruitment advertisements purporting to originate from the commission.
The electoral body urged Nigerians to disregard the latest notice and avoid further circulating it.
“Please disregard and do not circulate this false recruitment notice,” INEC said.
The commission concluded its warning with an appeal to Nigerians to verify the authenticity of online information before clicking on links or submitting personal details.
“Stay informed. Stay safe. Always verify before you click,” INEC stated.
Several opposition political leaders and prominent figures have converged on Abuja for a summit aimed at forging a united front ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The meeting, being held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, attracted notable opposition figures including the Peoples Redemption Party presidential candidate, Donald Duke; Social Democratic Party presidential candidate, Adewale Adebayo; and former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu.
SEE MORE: ‘APC Is Irredeemable’ — Ex-Minister Timipre Sylva Dumps Party, Blasts Tinubu Govt
The summit was convened by political pressure group G-100 as part of efforts to bring opposition parties together to mount a stronger challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
Also attending the gathering are the Allied Peoples Movement vice-presidential candidate, Lawal Daura; PRP National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed; SDP vice-presidential candidate, Usman Bugaje; and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi.
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, and G-100 Convener, Salihu Lukman, are also among those participating in the summit.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Lukman urged opposition parties to put aside their differences and work towards a common objective of advancing the interests of Nigerians.
He stressed that the proposed cooperation was not about forcing political parties to dissolve or abandon their identities, but about creating a platform where they could work together towards a shared goal.
“We are not asking any political party to dissolve. Let us agree that we must build the table before negotiating the seats,” Lukman said.
The summit comes amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and political actors exploring possible alliances and coalition arrangements.
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, APC, describing the ruling party as “irredeemable” and accusing the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of disappointing Nigerians.
Sylva announced his resignation in a letter dated August 31, 2026, addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
ALSO READ: 2027: Tinubu Holds Crucial Meeting with APC Governors at Presidential Villa
Copies of the letter were sent to the APC National Chairman, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the chairman of the APC in Bayelsa State.
The former minister, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, said he took the decision after consulting his family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers.
Sylva said he could no longer remain in a party whose leaders, according to him, had embraced the belief that “all is fair in politics.”
He said, “Having consulted widely with my family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers, I wish to formally tender my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with immediate effect.
“As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.”
He added, “Moreover, I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics;’ and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice.”
Sylva attacks Tinubu administration
Sylva also criticised the APC-led Federal Government, saying it had disappointed the majority of Nigerians.
“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp,” he stated.
Describing the APC as a “floundering ship,” Sylva said he had no choice but to leave the party.
“I am therefore left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities,” he said.
The former governor also expressed confidence that Nigerians would vote for change in the 2027 general elections.
“I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the Country from this stranglehold on our beautiful country,” Sylva stated.
Why Sylva copied EFCC
The former minister also explained his decision to copy the EFCC in his resignation letter.
Sylva acknowledged that the move could lead to increased scrutiny of him and his associates by the anti-graft agency, but said he was prepared to face whatever consequences might arise.
“I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take,” he said.
Resignation amid alleged coup plot investigation
Sylva’s resignation comes amid allegations linking him to an alleged plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration.
The Federal Government previously named him as a suspect in a wider investigation into an alleged coup plot uncovered in 2025. Sylva has repeatedly denied involvement in the alleged plot.
The development had led to the arrest and prosecution of several military and civilian suspects.
In April 2026, six defendants were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges including treason, terrorism and money laundering.
Reports published in August also alleged that Sylva was linked to the financing of the purported coup plot. However, the former governor has denied the allegations.
The controversy had earlier intensified in October 2025 following a military operation at Sylva’s Abuja residence.
Sylva confirmed that soldiers from Defence Headquarters raided the property but rejected any suggestion that he was involved in a plan to overthrow the government, describing the operation as unjustified.
His resignation comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the ruling APC and opposition forces positioning themselves for what is expected to be a keenly contested election.
JUST IN: ‘Nothing Left to Give’ — Messi Announces Retirement From Argentina
INEC Raises Alarm as Fake 2027 Election Recruitment Website Surfaces
2027: ‘We Must Build the Table’ — Opposition Leaders Meet in Abuja to Challenge Tinubu
‘APC Is Irredeemable’ — Ex-Minister Timipre Sylva Dumps Party, Blasts Tinubu Govt
‘Over N20m Lost’ — Inferno Razes Abuja Building Materials Market After Midnight Restocking
Nestoil Boosts Oil Production with $28m Drilling Fleet
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
There are some interesting deadlines on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There is some validity but I’ll take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we would like more! Added to FeedBurner as well
Regards for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting information.
You have remarked very interesting details! ps decent web site. “Choose your friends carefully. Your enemies will choose you.” by Yassir Arafat.
Hello. impressive job. I did not expect this. This is a excellent story. Thanks!
There is noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made certain nice factors in options also.
Hmm it appears like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any tips for rookie blog writers? I’d really appreciate it.
Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear concept
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was looking for! “It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” by J. K. Rowling.
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing some research on that. And he just bought me lunch as I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “Feeling passionate about something is like getting a peak at your soul smiling back at you.” by Amanda Medinger.
Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.
I like this post, enjoyed this one thank you for posting. “The goal of revival is conformity to the image of Christ, not imitation of animals.” by Richard F. Lovelace.