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Bayelsa APC chieftain, supporters return to PDP
NG🏛️ PoliticsCenter7 days ago

Bayelsa APC chieftain, supporters return to PDP

Gabriel Claudius, a senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has switched allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with his supporters in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The group was officially welcomed into the PDP during a ceremony attended by local and state-level PDP leaders. Ofoni Morgan, the Ogbia PDP chairman, emphasized that the PDP is the political home of the region's people and highlighted the party's historical significance, noting it produced Nigeria's first Ijaw president. He stated that Claudius' return would bolster the PDP's influence in the area. At the state level, PDP chairman George Turnah called on the Bayelsa State Government to address issues like poverty and unemployment, arguing that current efforts are insufficient. PDP leader Joshua Maciver described the defection as a 'homecoming' and reaffirmed the party's commitment to winning future elections. Claudius himself expressed confidence that the PDP is repositioning itself to become stronger and more competitive in upcoming elections.

Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested Mitchel Nkereuwem, the husband of Inemesit Nkereuwem, the ADC candidate for the Essien Udim State Constituency seat, over allegations of cyberstalking. The arrest follows a petition filed by Prince Akpabio, a sitting lawmaker representing the Essien Udim State Constituency in the House of Assembly. Prince is a nephew of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and is currently seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Earlier this year, he defected from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC along with Governor Umo Eno. The accused, Mitchel Nkereuwem, was remanded by a Magistrate Court in Uyo after being arraigned over allegations that he shared an audio recording via WhatsApp containing defamatory and threatening statements about Prince. According to a member of Nkereuwem’s legal team, Ewa Okpo, the audio recording had been circulating on multiple WhatsApp groups before reaching Nkereuwem, who reportedly merely forwarded it. Okpo stated that the individual who allegedly created the audio recording had not been arrested, raising concerns about the fairness of the investigation. In a Facebook video, Inemesit Nkereuwem accused Prince of orchestrating her husband's arrest due to her political ambitions to contest the Essien Udim State Assembly seat. She claimed that police officers forcibly entered their home and arrested her husband despite his poor health condition. She questioned why the alleged creator of the recording had not been arrested and suggested that the arrest was politically motivated to hinder her political aspirations. A review of the audio recording by Premium Times indicates that it centers on a personal dispute involving Prince Akpabio and a man who identified himself as Akpan Ikpe. The recording includes statements that appear to threaten the lawmaker. However, the newspaper could not independently verify whether Nkereuwem merely forwarded the recording or if investigators had additional evidence linking him to its creation. Prince Akpabio did not respond to repeated attempts to comment on the matter. Separately, Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and a presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) for the 2027 general elections, withdrew his request to summon the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS) to testify in his defense in a cyberstalking trial. Sowore faces charges of criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and incitement for calling President Bola Tinubu "a criminal" in social media posts. During a hearing, Sowore's lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, initially planned to subpoena the SSS director to provide information about a letter requesting Sowore to retract his posts. However, after a discussion with the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, Sowore dropped the request. Meanwhile, political realignments continue across Nigeria. In Gombe State, Bala Ngalda, the chairman of Pantami Ward, and Babangida Gololo, the ward’s legal adviser, have defected from the APC to the PDP, supporting former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, who holds the PDP governorship ticket. This follows the defection of Aliyu Turaki, the ADC candidate for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, who also joined the PDP. In Bayelsa State, Gabriel Claudius, a chieftain of the APC, and his supporters have returned to the PDP, joining forces with the party in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area. The PDP leaders welcomed the defectors, emphasizing the party's historical significance in the region. Similarly, in Jigawa State, the lone opposition lawmaker, Muhammad Kabir, has defected to the APC, aligning with Governor Umar Namadi. With this move, all 30 members of the Jigawa State House of Assembly are now affiliated with the APC. Kabir cited Governor Namadi's leadership and achievements as reasons for his switch, stating that his decision followed extensive discussions with key stakeholders in his constituency. These developments reflect ongoing political dynamics and shifting allegiances across various states in Nigeria, impacting both local and national political landscapes.

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Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 857 days ago
Police arrest ADC candidate’s husband over alleged cyberstalking

Police in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, have arrested Mitchel Nkereuwem, the husband of ADC candidate Inemesit Nkereuwem, over allegations of cyberstalking related to sharing an audio recording containing defamatory and threatening statements about Prince Akpabio, a sitting lawmaker and APC candidate. Prince Akpabio, a nephew of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, filed the petition against Mitchel, who claims he merely forwarded the audio after it circulated online. Inemesit Nkereuwem, who seeks to unseat Prince in the 2027 election, alleges that the arrest was politically motivated due to her campaign ambitions. Her husband was remanded by a Magistrate Court in Uyo and is awaiting trial. His legal team argues that the detention exceeded constitutional time limits and questions why the alleged originator of the audio has not been arrested.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives, accusations from Prince Akpabio and the defense provided by Mitchel Nkereuwem’s legal team, as well as Inemesit Nkereuwem’s claim of political persecution. There is no overtly biased language or selective sourcing that favors one side over the other. The report

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports the arrest of Mitchel Nkereuwem over alleged cyberstalking, including the legal actions taken and the involvement of the affected party. This aligns with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (85): The article is largely neutral, though it includes some contextual background on the political affiliations of the individuals involved, which could slightly influence perception but does not significantly skew the reporting.

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8510 days ago
Cyberstalking Trial: Sowore drops request to summon DG of SSS

Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and a presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), has dropped his request to summon the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr Ajayi, to testify in his defense during a cyberstalking trial. The trial involves charges of criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and incitement against Sowore, stemming from social media posts where he called President Bola Tinubu 'a criminal.' Previously, Sowore's legal team sought to bring Ajayi into court to clarify a letter dated 7 September 2025, which requested Sowore to retract his posts. However, they now withdrew this request. During the recent hearing, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, unexpectedly appeared for the prosecution, leading to criticism from Sowore's defense lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, who questioned the lack of prior notice.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the legal developments in a balanced manner, detailing both the defense's actions and the prosecution's responses without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from both the defense and prosecution, providing a neutral account of the situation.

Why factuality (90): The article provides detailed information about Omoyele Sowore dropping his request to summon the DG of SSS, including the legal representation involved and the nature of the charges. This aligns with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (85): While the article is mostly factual, it includes some contextual background on Sowore's political status, which could slightly influence perception but does not significantly skew the reporting.

Vanguard Nigeria logoVanguard NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8510 days ago
Alleged defamation: Sowore drops decision to summon DSS boss as witness

Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, withdrew his request to summon Oluwatosin Ajayi, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), as a witness in his defense during a criminal defamation trial. The case involves allegations that Sowore referred to President Bola Tinubu as 'a criminal' on social media. The DSS has charged Sowore with criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and incitement. Sowore's lawyer initially sought Ajayi's testimony to clarify a September 2025 letter requesting retraction of defamatory posts, but later withdrew the request after a dispute over the unexpected appearance of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) in the case. The court proceeded with the trial, with the lawyer indicating readiness to continue.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the legal proceedings involving a high-profile individual and government officials, without overtly favoring either side. It reports on the legal actions taken by both parties without clear ideological slant, focusing on procedural developments rather than抨

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports Sowore's decision to drop the request to summon the DSS boss, including the legal process and the nature of the charges. This aligns with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (85): The article is largely neutral, though it includes some contextual background on Sowore's political status, which could slightly influence perception but does not significantly skew the reporting.

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8510 days ago
Pantami’s ward APC chair, ADC rep candidate join PDP

The chairman of Pantami Ward in Gombe Local Government Area, Bala Ngalda, and the ward’s legal adviser, Babangida Gololo, have both resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their defection follows the earlier departure of Aliyu Turaki, the ADC candidate for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, who also switched allegiance to PDP and endorsed Isa Pantami, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. Pantami is running as the PDP governorship candidate backed by Wike. The two officials cited personal consultations and expressed gratitude to the APC for opportunities provided, while pledging continued support to PDP and its ideals. These developments mark a significant shift in Gombe politics, especially as incumbent Governor Inuwa Yahaya completes his second term.

Bias read (Center): While the article reports on a political defection within the Nigerian political landscape, it presents the actions and motivations of the individuals involved without overtly favoring any particular political ideology. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the facts of the resignations, their ex

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports the defections of Bala Ngalda and Babangida Gololo from the APC to the PDP, along with their stated reasons and the implications for Isa Pantami's candidacy. This aligns with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, though it includes some direct quotes and statements from the individuals involved, which might subtly reflect their perspectives.

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8511 days ago
Bayelsa APC chieftain, supporters return to PDP

Gabriel Claudius, a senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has switched allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with his supporters in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The group was officially welcomed into the PDP during a ceremony attended by local and state-level PDP leaders. Ofoni Morgan, the Ogbia PDP chairman, emphasized that the PDP is the political home of the region's people and highlighted the party's historical significance, noting it produced Nigeria's first Ijaw president. He stated that Claudius' return would bolster the PDP's influence in the area. At the state level, PDP chairman George Turnah called on the Bayelsa State Government to address issues like poverty and unemployment, arguing that current efforts are insufficient. PDP leader Joshua Maciver described the defection as a 'homecoming' and reaffirmed the party's commitment to winning future elections. Claudius himself expressed confidence that the PDP is repositioning itself to become stronger and more competitive in upcoming elections.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a political defection between two major parties in Nigeria, providing balanced quotes from both the defectors and the receiving party. There is no overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The framing appears neutral, focusing on the event and the各方'

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports the defection of Gabriel Claudius and his supporters from the APC to the PDP, including the reception ceremony and the statements from PDP leaders. This aligns with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, though it includes some direct quotes and statements from the individuals involved, which might subtly reflect their perspectives.

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentConservativeFactual 85Objective 908 days ago
Jigawa Assembly lone opposition lawmaker joins APC

Muhammad Kabir, the sole opposition lawmaker in Jigawa State's House of Assembly, has defected from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Kabir, who represents the Birnin Kudu Local Government Area, made the announcement at an event in Dutse, attended by the Assembly Speaker. His defection marks the end of the PDP's representation in the state legislature, as all 30 lawmakers are now aligned with APC. Kabir cited Governor Umar Namadi's leadership and developmental programs as reasons for his switch, emphasizing his consultations with local stakeholders. Governor Namadi welcomed Kabir, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute to the state's development.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the defection as a positive development for the APC, highlighting Governor Namadi's leadership and the benefits of aligning with the ruling party. The emphasis on the APC's 'fairness' and 'inclusiveness' contrasts with the portrayal of the PDP as having failed to deliver. The tone

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the defection of Muhammad Kabir from the PDP to the APC, citing specific details such as the location of the event, the attendance of the Speaker of the Assembly, and the reasons cited by Kabir for his defection. It aligns with the cross-source consensus on the event.

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the information in a neutral manner, quoting directly from the sources and providing context without apparent bias or emotional language.

Premium Times Nigeria logoPremium Times NigeriaIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 8015 days ago
PDP faction blames APC for crises in opposition parties, vows to be on ballot

Kabiru Turaki, factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of exacerbating leadership crises within opposition parties in Nigeria. He claimed these tensions stem from the ruling party's actions and urged leaders to promote peace rather than incite conflict. Turaki expressed confidence that the PDP would endure despite its internal struggles and remain active in the 2027 general elections. Other opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), are also experiencing internal conflicts, with some accusing the APC of exploiting these divisions to undermine rival parties. The APC denies these claims, asserting that opposition crises are internally driven and not influenced by external factors.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the leadership crises in opposition parties as being caused by the ruling APC, which aligns with a left-leaning perspective that criticizes the ruling party for destabilizing political opponents. The emphasis on the APC's alleged role in inciting division reflects a narrative that

Why factuality (85): The article accurately conveys Kabiru Turaki's accusations against the APC and his confidence in the PDP's survival. However, the lack of direct quotes or specific evidence weakens the factual depth slightly compared to other articles.

Why objectivity (80): The article shows a clear stance supporting the PDP and criticizing the APC, which introduces a degree of subjectivity in the presentation of the information.

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