Former Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has refuted claims of defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said he has no intention of joining the ruling APC.

Posting on X, he distanced himself from any involvement in an APC gathering.

Obi assured that he does not involve himself in toxic politics, blackmail, or any form of political manipulation.

According to Obi: “I have come across a report circulating on social media regarding an APC gathering where my name was mentioned.

“Let me make it unequivocally clear: I do not engage in toxic politics, blackmail, or any form of political manipulation. My name should not be associated with such narratives.

“For the avoidance of doubt, both now and in the future, I am not a member of the APC, nor am I an intending member. My stance on politics has always been rooted in integrity, fairness, and issue-based engagement.

“I firmly believe that all political parties should assess aspirants solely on their competence, capacity, and compassion — qualities essential for building a better Anambra and a better Nigeria.

“As for Valentine Ozigbo, I maintain that he, like every other aspirant, should be evaluated based on these key leadership qualities in his new political party.

“I wish all political parties the very best in conducting free and fair primaries, and I call on all stakeholders to uphold justice throughout the process. We must reject toxic politics, for that is the only path to achieving the democratic nation we currently lack.

“By doing so, we will move closer to the new Nigeria we seek.”

Hajiya Maryam Suleiman, the Kaduna State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has distanced herself from former Governor, Nasir El-Rufai following his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), calling it a “wrong political calculation.”

In a dramatic turnaround, Maryam who was once a staunch El-Rufai ally declared her unwavering loyalty to APC, dismissing SDP as a political non-starter. She admitted to previously criticizing Governor Uba Sani out of ignorance, expressing regrets and offering a public apology.

“Governor Uba Sani is a compassionate leader who genuinely uplifts people, unlike El-Rufai, whose policies on market demolitions and teacher dismissals hurt many,” she said.

Rebranding herself from “Maryam Mai Rusau” (aligned with El-Rufai) to “Maryam Mai Ginau” (supporting Uba Sani’s developmental agenda), she pledged her commitment to APC and vowed to make amends for her past remarks.

This shift marks a significant realignment in Kaduna’s political landscape as APC seeks to consolidate its influence.

Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala has hit back at former presidential candidate, Peter Obi over his remarks about democratic governance in Nigeria.

According to him, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) is a failed politician who does not have a history of democratic activism.

The presidential aide said this in an X post on Tuesday in reaction to Obi’s recent remark about the state of democracy under the Bola Tinubu presidency.

Speaking at the 60th birthday colloquium for former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, in Abuja on Monday, Obi said progress made since the nation’s return to democratic rule in 1999 has been eroded.

Responding, Bwala said, “It is funny how failed politicians are trying to redefine democracy.

“Peter Obi said democracy has collapsed. Does he even know the meaning of democracy?

“When people were fighting for democracy, Gregory was buying and selling. He doesn’t have a history of any democratic activism from his school days to date.

“His expertise lies in instigating hate speech and vitriol. Talk Is cheap.”