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Ex-Delta Reps member Ossai Nicholas Ossai dumps PDP, joins APC
In a significant political shift, former three-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dr. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, has announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ossai, who represented the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta State from 2011 to 2023, made the move after reflecting on his political vision and the path he believes best serves the development of his constituents, Delta state, and the nation.
Hon. Ossai served in various leadership roles during his time in the National Assembly. He was the Chairman of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges in the 8th Assembly and also chaired the House Committee on Treaties, Protocols, and Agreements in the 9th Assembly. His political career, however, was disrupted when forces opposed to his rising political stature conspired and stopped him at the PDP primary elections in 2022. This action, allegedly spearheaded by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other stakeholders marked a turning point in Ossai’s political journey.
In a statement announcing his exit from the PDP, Ossai stated that he could no longer recognize the party he had been a part of since 1998, as it had become rudderless, cantankerous, envious and lacked direction. He said, “After due reflection and consultation with my family, political leaders, followers, and associates, I formally submit my resignation from the PDP and accept the patriotic call to join the largest progressive family in Africa, the APC.”
Known as a well-established political stronghold and a chronic grassroots organizer, Hon. Ossai has built and sustained several influential political organizations over the past two decades. His unwavering connection to the grassroots and his widespread influence in Ndokwa politics have made him a force to be reckoned with. Ossai’s legacy as a leader who has shaped political discourse at the local and national levels has endeared him to many in Ndokwa land and Nigeria. His joining the APC is seen as a move that will bring the party even closer to Ndokwa nation and strengthen its presence in Delta State.
The former lawmaker emphasized his commitment to good governance, stating that his decision to switch parties is motivated by his desire to work with those who share his vision of compassionate, inclusive, and transformational leadership. “I joined politics to work with forces of positive change, to uplift the voiceless, and to attract development for Ndokwa nation, Delta state, and Nigeria,” he said. “I strongly believe in sustainable development that will benefit generations yet unborn.”
Throughout his tenure in the National Assembly, Ossai was known for his extensive knowledge of legislative practices and his capacity to navigate complex parliamentary procedures to attract development to his constituency and in solving national issues, earning him the nickname “Legislative Institution” from his colleagues. His political journey, which seemed destined for continued growth, was ultimately interrupted by what he referred to as “antagonistic and envious political forces.” Despite this setback, Ossai remains committed to his principles of service and development.
Ossai’s decision to join the APC, he claims, aligns with his dedication to the common good and national development. Reflecting on the role of political parties in shaping the nation’s future, he stated, “Politics and political party systems are not just vehicles for power but are organizations that shape the philosophy of national development.”
The shift has sparked significant reactions in both PDP and APC circles. Even critics have acknowledged that Hon. Ossai was not treated fairly by the small group of people in PDP leadership who were at the time intoxicated with power, considering his over two decades of contributions to the party’s development in Delta State and Nigeria. His move to APC is seen as a strategic step to continue his advocacy for his people and to push for the growth and transformation of the Ndokwa nation and the nation at large.
With this bold political step, Ossai aims to continue his fight for the upliftment of his people and the progress of the nation, aligning with the APC’s focus on transforming Nigeria into a more inclusive and progressive society anchored on the Renewed Hope Administration.
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BREAKING: INEC confirms contact details, begina recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Senate
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has confirmed that the representatives of the petitioners seeking to recall the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District have now provided their contact details.
In a statement on Wednesday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said:
“The contact address of representatives of the petitioners, their telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses have now been provided in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Commission.”
He added that INEC has formally notified the senator about the recall petition.
“As provided in Clause 2(a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, a letter has been written to notify the senator sought to be recalled about the receipt of the petition and delivered to her official address,” Olumekun stated.
He further explained that the same letter had been copied to the presiding officer of the Senate and published on the Commission’s website.
Speaking on the next step, Olumekun said INEC would now verify the signatures to ensure that more than 50% of registered voters in Kogi Central signed the petition.
“This will be done in the coming days. The outcome, which will be made public, shall determine the next step to be taken by the Commission,” he said.
Olumekun reassured Nigerians that the recall process would be conducted in an open and transparent manner.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, has commended his principal for assenting to South West and South – South Development Commissions Bills as well as the Nigeria Anti – Doping Bill 2025.
Senator Lado who made the commendation in a personally signed statement, described presidential assets to the bills as monumental milestone and testament to visionary leadership and national progress.
The statement reads: “I extend my warmest congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for yet another historic achievement his decisive and visionary assent to the South-West Development Commission Bill, the South-South Development Commission Bill, and the Nigeria Anti-Doping Bill, 2025.
“These landmark legislations are a clear reflection of President Tinubu’s relentless commitment to inclusive governance, equitable progress, and Nigeria’s emergence as a global powerhouse.
“His Excellency has once again demonstrated that leadership is not merely about policies—it is about impact, legacy, and a deep-rooted dedication to uplifting every citizen.
“By signing into law the establishment of the South-West and South-South Development Commissions, President Tinubu has reaffirmed his role as a transformational leader who prioritizes regional empowerment, economic expansion, and infrastructural excellence.
Building on the foundation of his earlier assent to the South-East and North -West Development Commissions, it is evident that President Tinubu is deliberate in bringing development across all regions.
“These commissions will serve as catalysts for industrial growth, job creation, and social advancement—ensuring that every corner of Nigeria benefits from his administration’s progressive vision. This is the mark of a true statesman—one who understands that a nation’s strength lies in its ability to uplift all regions without bias.
“In the same vein, the Nigeria Anti-Doping Bill, 2025 is yet another bold step that solidifies Nigeria’s commitment to fairness, excellence, and integrity in global sports.
“President Tinubu has once again positioned Nigeria as a nation of high ethical standards, ensuring that our athletes compete on the world stage with honor and credibility. By domesticating the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sports, his administration has safeguarded the future of Nigerian sports, protecting our athletes from unfair practices while reinforcing our global reputation as a country that upholds integrity.
“This momentous occasion underscores President Tinubu’s unmatched leadership—one that is proactive, decisive, and deeply attuned to the needs and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
His ability to enact groundbreaking policies that foster unity, drive economic prosperity, and elevate our international standing speaks volumes of his unwavering dedication to national transformation”.
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BREAKING: Key contact details missing in petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan – INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has acknowledged receiving a petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District but noted that key contact details of the petitioners were missing.
In a press release signed by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission stated that the petition was submitted with six bags of documents containing signatures from more than half of the 474,554 registered voters in the district.
However, the covering letter only provided a general location, “Okene, Kogi State,” without a specific address or multiple contact numbers as required by INEC’s regulations.
INEC emphasized that the recall process is guided by the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and its 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall.
The commission assured that once the petition meets all requirements, it will proceed with verifying the signatures using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in an open process involving petitioners, observers, and the media.
INEC is currently making efforts to reach the petitioners through other means and urged the public to disregard speculation on social media regarding the recall process.
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