Former member of the House of Representatives and ex-presidential adviser Dr. Usman Bugaje has accused Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), of systematically using money to induce defections from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking in an interview with Arise News, Bugaje claimed that the APC has been aggressively targeting opposition figures, leveraging both financial incentives and potential legal threats.

His words: “Well, for what I know—and I don’t claim to know everything—the APC is basically using money to buy off PDP.

“Some say it’s a carrot and stick approach. The money is the carrot. What’s the stick? Possibly the EFCC. They might do these kinds of things. This has been the practice since the time of President Obasanjo.”

Bugaje argued that the root cause of the ongoing wave of defections is money, warning that such practices pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.

He said: “For me, this is a very serious issue. This should be the center of our political discourse. As long as money remains the determining factor, then that’s the end of democracy and the end of politics.”

His comments come in the wake of a major political shake-up in Delta State, where Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was also the PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, defected to the APC. They were joined by members of the National Assembly, State Assembly, and several local government chairmen.

Bugaje stated that he is skeptical about the PDP’s ability to function as an effective opposition.

“There has not been real opposition since the moment Nyesom Wike did what he did,” Bugaje said.

“The PDP missed its chance to be a viable opposition party. Just look at their conduct on major national issues—from emergency rule debates to budget discussions. They failed to act like an opposition,” he added.

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to be discouraged by recent defections in the party, particularly in Delta State, assuring them that the PDP will emerge stronger and more united ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Saraki addressed concerns raised by party supporters and youth following the defection of top party figures, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

*”My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party and refocusing it to play the role of a viable opposition that will provide a better alternative for the good people of Nigeria,”* Saraki wrote.

He emphasized the critical role of the opposition in a multi-ethnic democracy like Nigeria and warned against any attempts to impose a one-party state, describing such an idea as “dangerous” to the country’s diversity and democratic future.

It is in the interest of Nigeria and the survival of our democracy for the opposition to be vibrant and strong enough with the capacity to replace the ruling party at any point,”* he added, insisting that recent events should not demoralize PDP loyalists.

Reacting to what he described as “insincere leadership” among some PDP figures, Saraki said the current situation vindicated his earlier decision to observe events in silence. He pointed out that internal disloyalty had eroded trust within the party’s leadership ranks.

This development has vindicated the stance of people like me who have decided to remain silent and watch events unfold. I have seen that there was no sincerity with supposed leaders of the opposition,”* he said.

The former governor of Kwara State urged PDP members to view democracy as a long-term project rather than a “knock-out match,” encouraging patience, resilience, and renewed commitment to the party’s values.

“The sustenance of democracy is not a sprint. Rather, it is a marathon… 24 hours is a long time in politics and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve in the coming weeks and months,”* Saraki noted.

Addressing the defection of Delta State’s governor and his allies, including the 2023 PDP presidential running mate, Saraki said such moves reflect the declining ethical standards in Nigerian politics. He called for a shift from personal loyalty to strengthening political institutions.

“Yes, it is unbecoming and shocking for the running mate to the standard bearer of a leading party to abandon ship to join the ruling party. This is unprecedented… The country is experiencing a collapse of leadership values,”* he stated.

Despite the setbacks, Saraki expressed confidence in PDP’s prospects, stressing that party strength is measured not by numbers alone but by the dedication and integrity of its members. He called on youths and women to take leadership in the party’s rebuilding efforts.

“The PDP is better with fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined, and committed to its ideals than with many who flirt with the ruling party in the shadows,”* he declared.

He concluded by assuring supporters that PDP leadership organs will convene to strategize, noting that there is still ample time to reposition the party for success in 2027.

“There is no cause for alarm. Our party members should not lose focus, hope, or determination. We should see the current development as a challenge to rebuild and refocus. Tomorrow is very bright,”* Saraki concluded.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed into law four landmark bills that establish new agencies designed to strengthen institutional frameworks and accelerate sustainable development across the state.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

The newly signed laws provide for the establishment of the following agencies:

1. Kano State Protection Agency (KASPA)

2. Kano State Signage and
Advertisement Agency (KASIAA)

3. Kano State Information and Communication Technologies Development Agency (KASITDA)

4. Kano State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (KASMEDA)

These laws, which are now part of the Kano State legal framework, are expected to stimulate innovation, support small businesses, regulate signage and advertising, and enhance public protection and service delivery.

Governor Yusuf described the signing as a significant step toward realizing his administration’s vision of a modern, inclusive, and economically vibrant Kano.

He emphasized that the new agencies will play a crucial role in job creation, investment attraction, and the efficient implementation of government initiatives.

“Our mission is to lay a solid foundation for a greater Kano. These laws go beyond policy — they are key instruments of transformation that will help drive our development agenda,” the Governor stated.

He also issued a strong warning that violations of the provisions of these laws will be met with strict penalties, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring compliance.

The establishment of these agencies reflects Governor Yusuf’s continued efforts to reform public institutions, improve governance, and position Kano as a leading center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.