General News
Osun 2022: Over 500 PDP loyalists defect to APC in Ayedade LGA
… attribute decision to Oyetola’s excellent performance in all sectors
…we’re coasting to victory already — APC
The ranks of the main opposition party in Osun — the People’s Democratic Party, PDP — have been heavily depleted as over 500 of its members have denounced their membership to join the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ayedade Local Government Area of the State precedent to the July 16 governorship election.
The defectors attributed their decision to the modest achievements the ruling party under the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has recorded in the last three and half years.
This is even as the leadership of the APC in the State said the mass defection was a pointer to the fact that the party was already coasting to victory in the forthcoming guber poll.
Until the official announcement of their defection, the defectors were members of five different PDP groups who have pitched tent with the ruling party, having expressed satisfaction with the way and manner the APC is being run, the government’s good governance scorecard, provision of quality and the purposeful leadership of the Governor.
The electoral umpire– the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC — has fixed July 16 for the governorship election in the State and the recent defection would in no doubt contribute significantly to the positive turnout and performance of the ruling party particularly in affected areas.
Speaking on behalf of the decampees on Sunday, the leader of the defectors, Chief Raufu Lukman, noted that their decision was hinged on the quest to collectively advance the state with the members of the ruling party.
Chief Lukman who was very enthusiastic and upbeat said they willingly packed their belongings from the PDP, having attested to the quality of leadership and membership of the ruling party who he described as “worthy party men and women of virtue”.
He said further: “As you can see, we are here today in large number to confidently denounce our membership from the PDP and as well announce to the whole world that we are in APC, the party that means well for the masses.
“Our decision to leave the former party at this critical time is an indication of the fact that the present Administration under the leadership of Governor Oyetola has performed creditably well in all the sectors of the economy and we are bent to contribute our own quota to collectively advance our State for the good and betterment of the citizenry.
“My colleagues and I who are members of the defecting groups running to 500 to 550 members are resolute to work collectively with others to ensure all-round victory for the party”, he added.
Receiving the defectors, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, commended the decampees for taking a bold step to join the ruling party whose imprints remain unparalleled in the history of the State.
Mr Oyebamiji said: “I’m happy today because members of the opposition party — the PDP have seen and reckoned with the great things we have achieved and consequently seen the need to join the progressive family. This is a rare feat and a good thing for our party and our members, particularly in Irewole Federal Constituency.
“The implication of their decision remains the fact that the APC is the party to beat and the party that is taking the State to promised land. This is in line with the adage that says, ‘If you can’t beat them you join them’. This is in fulfilment of the directive of Mr. Governor to win more members into our folds and we thank God that many have seen the good things that our Governor has done in all the aspects of the economy.
“To us as party loyalists, this is a challenge for us to further encourage Mr. Governor to do more since his good works have been manifesting for the goodness of the state and members of the party.
“Allah be on our side, certainly, we’re going to win. 500 people from PDP is not a joke and this will affect us positively. By the grace of God, we’re going to record landslide victory in all the local government areas of the State”.
In their separate remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce, Mrs. Christiana Ogunfolaju; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Mr. Sunday Akere and APC State Women Leader, Mrs Kudirat Fakokunde, described the decision of the defectors as a reflection of the acceptability of Governor Oyetola.
According to them, the defection is a testament to the monumental achievements of Governor Oyetola in the past three and half years in Osun and it shows that the State under his watch has made unprecedented successes.
In a dramatic show of faith and patriotism, over 1,000 fiery prayer warriors from across Nigeria will descend on Ilorin, Kwara State, this Saturday, lifting their voices in intense intercession for President Bola Tinubu’s success and Nigeria’s survival in the face of biting economic woes and mounting insecurity.
The spiritual siege, themed “Walking in Domini”, is the maiden convention of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), with its Kwara State Chairman, Evangelist Thomas Adeboye, vowing that “heaven will hear and respond to Nigeria’s cry.”
Aside from marathon prayers, the gathering will roll out free medical outreach to locals across Kwara’s LGAs, a gesture aimed at touching both body and soul.
Adeboye, lamenting Nigeria’s “troubling economic and security realities”, called for a nationwide prayer uprising, insisting that Tinubu has shown the will to revive the nation but needs massive divine backing to succeed.
“Banditry, a collapsing economy, and political tension demand we seek God’s face like never before,” he declared. “We will storm heaven for wisdom for the President and governors to steer Nigeria to safety.”
The convention will also feature awards to distinguished personalities, soul-lifting worship, fiery sermons, and unity-driven lectures—all capped with thunderous prayers for Nigeria’s redemption.
Adeboye urged the President to ensure every policy has “a human face,” stressing that Nigerians must not only endure but also enjoy the fruits of governance.
With the OAIC promising to reaffirm believers’ authority in Christ and rally spiritual boldness in the face of national challenges, Ilorin is set to become the epicentre of a powerful spiritual warfare for Nigeria’s destiny.
…Church leaders accuse Welsh counterparts of “spiritual decadence” and “abandonment of faith”
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a forceful condemnation of the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. The move is the latest in a series of developments that have deepened divisions within the global Anglican Communion over sexuality and doctrine.
In a statement from Primate The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the church denounced the election as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a sign of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation compromises the Anglican Church’s global mission and could obstruct evangelism. He compared the situation to the controversial tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, who also faced intense criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.
The Primate accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” around same-sex issues, stating that the election is a “clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
The Church of Nigeria called on Anglicans worldwide to reject “rebels” and “apostates” and to instead support conservative bodies like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared. He concluded with a solemn warning that without repentance, the Church in Wales risks losing “complete relevance” and its leaders will face judgment.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has called on political leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens.
During a recent church service in Abuja, Ndukuba noted that many Nigerians are struggling with challenges brought on by the global economic downturn. He urged state and local governments to implement new initiatives to lessen the impact on their communities.
The Primate also stressed that the federal government must effectively monitor its programs to ensure that Nigerians fully benefit from the nation’s democratic gains. He argued that if the current administration can effectively tackle corruption, the country would significantly benefit from the economic policies of President Tinubu’s government.
Ndukuba concluded by asking the congregation to continue praying for those in authority, remain committed to national unity, and show love and support for the less privileged. He also tasked the newly inducted members of the Church Mothers’ Guild with aggressively spreading the gospel.
1,000 Prayer Warriors Storm Ilorin for Tinubu, Nation’s Deliverance
In a dramatic show of faith and patriotism, over 1,000 fiery prayer warriors from across Nigeria will descend on Ilorin,...
Kumuyi Warns Against Succession Pressure in Deeper Life Church
General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has cautioned members against agitating over who will succeed him,...
“Victory Is Not By Strength Alone”: Pastor Adeboye Reveals His Boxing Past And Shares Timeless Life Lessons
“Victory Is Not By Strength Alone”: Pastor Adeboye Reveals His Boxing Past And Shares Timeless Life Lessons In an unexpected...
2025 Annual Conference Camp of the Baptist Girls Auxiliary Begins in Abuja
The FCT Baptist Girls Auxiliary (GA), under the auspices of the Baptist Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), will kick off its...
Nigerian Anglicans Condemn Lesbian Archbishop of Wales, Deepening Global Anglican Rift
…Church leaders accuse Welsh counterparts of “spiritual decadence” and “abandonment of faith” The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued...