politics

Nicholas Ossai defects to APC, claims PDP’s umbrella has broken down

Published

2 years ago

March 5, 2025

Nicholas Ossai has defected to APC, citing the breakdown of the PDP umbrella, and pledged to champion the “Asiwaju Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday officially welcomed former House of Representatives member, Nicholas Ossai, following his defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Also read: Over 2,000 PDP Members Defect to Labour Party in Abia State

Ossai, who had previously represented the Ndokwa West State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly before transitioning to the federal legislative chamber, cited the desire to bring meaningful development to his constituents as his primary reason for switching allegiance.

Ossai, addressing journalists in Abuja, expressed confidence that the APC offers the best platform to achieve his vision for the development of his people.

He praised the leadership of the APC and described President Bola Tinubu as his role model, further stating that his decision to join the ruling party marked the beginning of the end for PDP dominance in his state.

“I have been in the PDP for some time now, but the umbrella has broken down,” Ossai remarked. “We have always regarded the President as a role model and he is still my role model. Today, I have no other place than to come to APC to work for him and strengthen his government.”

The Delta politician made it clear that he was joining the APC with the support of his followers and had already received his membership card. He also highlighted his involvement in a recent APC senatorial meeting, indicating his full commitment to the party.

“I am one of your foot soldiers in Delta who has come to declare personally before you today and to tell you that I will abide by the rules, laws, and constitution governing the APC,” Ossai affirmed. “I will go back to Delta State to champion Asiwaju Renewed Hope Agenda, which is great.”

In welcoming Ossai, the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, emphasised that the defection of a seasoned politician like him was a clear indication that the opposition party is no longer a viable option for Nigerians. Basiru asserted that the APC is growing stronger as the country begins to see the positive impact of President Tinubu’s policies.

“It is my joy to welcome you, not only to the headquarters of the APC but to the vault of the progressives who are working seriously to renew the hope of the Nigerian people,” Basiru said. “One of our cardinal objectives is to revitalise the party and bring in seasoned politicians who are capable of ensuring that the APC continues to win elections.”

The APC National Secretary also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, stressing that the President had garnered widespread support, especially among younger politicians. He further criticised the opposition, particularly the PDP, for its internal crises and lack of proper coordination.

“The question is, can Nigerians trust a party that cannot even put its house in order to rule the country?” Basiru remarked. “So, thank you for abandoning that already dilapidated structure.”

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politics

2027: Shettima Says Peter Obi Has Nothing to Offer Nigerians

Published

15 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Shettima Peter Obi criticism intensifies as the Vice-President defends petrol subsidy removal and challenges the opposition leader’s economic arguments.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, claiming that the former Anambra State governor has little to offer Nigerians beyond citing economic statistics.

Also read: Super Falcons Captain Ajibade Begins Recovery After Surgery

Shettima made the remarks at an event in Abuja on Monday, October 26, 2026, where he urged members of Nigeria’s economic community to support the Federal Government’s policies and defended its decision to remove the petrol subsidy.

“I respect Peter Obi for having the courage to say he’s not going to restore the petrol subsidy, but beyond spouting some statistics, Mr Peter Obi has absolutely nothing to offer,” the Vice-President said.

“He was surviving on various statistics. So, I call on you, the crème de la crème of the Nigerian economic community, to support us,” he added.

Shettima also compared petrol prices in Nigeria with those in neighbouring countries, arguing that the figures illustrated the consequences of the country’s previous fuel pricing arrangements.

“A few years ago, Nigeria was consuming around 67 million litres of fuel per day,” he said.

He put petrol prices at approximately ₦1,148.36 per litre in Niger Republic, ₦1,729.29 in Benin Republic and ₦1,945.50 in Cameroon, compared with ₦1,390 in Nigeria.

“The comparison is wide. Nigeria was Christmas for other African countries,” he said.

The figures were presented by Shettima in defence of the government’s position on petrol pricing.

However, fuel prices can vary by country, location and date, and the comparison would require independently verified, contemporaneous data to establish whether the figures are directly comparable.

The Vice-President’s comments come amid continued political debate over the removal of the petrol subsidy and its impact on the Nigerian economy, with opposition politicians questioning the government’s management of rising living costs.

Obi, a former Anambra State governor, has frequently used economic data and public spending figures when criticising government policies.

He has also advocated fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability in public administration.

Shettima’s latest remarks echo comments he made during the 2023 election campaign, when he described Obi as having “absolutely nothing to offer apart from dubious statistics”.

At the time, Shettima was the All Progressives Congress vice-presidential candidate, while Obi contested the presidency under the Labour Party.

The renewed criticism comes as political parties and their candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections, with economic management and the cost of living likely to remain central issues in public debate.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration announced the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, shortly after he assumed office.

The policy was followed by sharp increases in petrol prices and transport costs, contributing to wider concerns about household purchasing power.

The Federal Government has defended the decision as a measure intended to reduce the fiscal burden of subsidy payments and redirect public resources.

Critics, however, have called for stronger support for households and more effective measures to cushion the effects of higher living costs.

Also read: Super Falcons Captain Ajibade Begins Recovery After Surgery

Shettima urged economic stakeholders to support the government’s approach, while his comments on Obi added to the political exchanges between the ruling APC and opposition figures ahead of the next presidential election.