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I’m Not In PDP Because APC Denied Me Ticket -Dogara
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, said he returned to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not because he was denied ticket to contest election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dogara stated this yesterday at the PDP National secretariat, Abuja, where he was accompanied by his supporters to submit his nomination and expression of interest forms to contest for the Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa-Balewa Federal Constituency election in 2019.
He said that his return to PDP was not about elections but to join his people to chart a new way for his state, Bauchi and Nigeria.
Dogara said that he left PDP to the APC believing that they were teaming together with spirited people to build a new Nigeria, but the APC does not trust those that joined the party from the PDP.
He said that as part of the team that built APC in Bauchi, he could say that the ruling party had not fulfilled a single promise that was made.
Dogara said that though some people were happy with him being in the APC but he was in a situation where he had to clear his conscience, saying, “ I would rather be hated for who I am than be loved for who I am not”.
“So, I have decided to come back to my original root because the truth is that when we went into APC after the General Elections, there was never an occasion in which we were not reminded that we do not belong.
“When there are discussions, you will hear reference to the fact that those who joined us from the PDP are our problems. So, that discussion will end from today since we have left.
“So, I have decided to join my brothers – members of this great party, the PDP, so that we can chart a new frontier in our state of Bauchi and for our dear nation Nigeria.
“So, I am here not because they have denied me ticket to contest in APC. And I am not bothered about contesting election; what bothers me is the state of my state. The situation in which our people are and the state of this country.
“So, even if you give me a ticket to work in a situation where my conscience is totally not aligned with, to be candid, I cannot function effectively.
“So, I am here, I have picked a nomination form. For those who say they would retire me from politics, to show them boldly that this is where I am.
“Anybody who thinks he will retire me from politics, I am waiting for him in the constituency in case they don’t know of Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa-Balewa Federal Constituency. Let them come.”
Dogara, who said he was still in shock said he would on another occasion discuss about why he left APC.
“I will speak to that maybe at another occasion because I must tell you that I am still shocked.
“So, when I recover from my shock, I will now tell my story in a way that is devoid of sentiments so that people can clearly understand the reason why I am taking the decision that leads me to the PDP today. I will certainly do that”
The Party’s National Chairman, Uche Secondus welcomed Dogara back to PDP, commended his brave decision, saying his return is like a house owner who travelled and came back home.
Secondus, represented by National Deputy Chairman (South) – Elder Yemi Akinwonmi said that all the problem that caused Dogara’s exist from PDP were fully addressed.
“The PDP is now re-branded and repositioned. We have the hope to reclaim our mandate and return to Aso Villa, come May 29, 2019.”
He added that the return of Dogara was worth celebrating, adding that there would be a time when all party leaders would be invited for him to interact with them.
On his part, the party’s National Organising Secretary, retired Col. Austin Akobundu, welcomed Dogara back to the party, saying he was a man of integrity.
Akobundu pledged that the PDP leaders would work together with him to achieve the good virtues he and the party leadership stood for.
He also pledged that the party would conduct credible primary elections for all elective positions.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene