Politics
Lawmakers Who Left Labour Party Seek Strategic Positions in APC Ahead of 2027 Elections – Etanabene
Lawmakers Who Left Labour Party Seek Strategic Positions in APC Ahead of 2027 Elections – Etanabene
Ekwutosblog has gathered that Benedict Etanabene, the lawmaker representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives, has downplayed the notion that recent defections from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) signify a crisis within the party.
Instead, he attributes the moves to political strategizing ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Etanabene dismissed claims of internal discord as the reason for the defections. According to him, the defecting lawmakers are positioning themselves in response to the APC’s recent electoral successes in Ondo and Edo States, which have unsettled some opposition members.
“There is no leadership crisis in the Labour Party,” he asserted. “Those who left the party, including those aligned with the Julius Abure faction, are simply thinking about their political future and the challenges posed by the APC’s dominance.”
Etanabene further argued that the defections reflect a broader trend likely to affect other opposition parties as the 2027 elections approach. He said, “What happened in Edo and Ondo is frightening to the extent that in 2027, it is going to be business as usual for APC. They [the defectors] have started thinking of positioning themselves.”
Four Labour Party lawmakers defected to the APC on Thursday, including:
Chinedu Okere (Owerri Municipal/Owerri North/Owerri West Constituency)
Mathew Donatus (Kaura Federal Constituency, Kaduna)
Akiba Bassey (Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Constituency)
Esosa Iyawe (Oredo Federal Constituency, Edo)
Despite these defections, Etanabene emphasized his loyalty to the Labour Party and dismissed any intention of following suit. He urged politicians to uphold morality in politics and resist abandoning the parties that gave them electoral opportunities.
“I have no plans to leave the Labour Party. Politicians need to prioritize ethics and avoid switching parties for personal gains. Loyalty to the people and the platform that brought you to office is paramount,” he said.
Etanabene also lamented the current state of electoral integrity in Nigeria, criticizing the system where votes do not seem to count. He called for urgent reforms to restore public confidence in the electoral process and urged politicians to focus on the long-term development of democracy rather than short-term gains.
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
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